(Dover, DE – October 1, 2025) – Following news of a federal government shutdown, Brian Frazee, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association, issued the following statement. While individuals on Medicare or Medicaid are not expected to be at immediate risk, there are some programs such as telehealth waivers, the hospital-at-home program waiver, and authorization for other important health extenders that will expire and may cause care disruptions. The DHA team is in Washington, D.C. this week advocating for the continuation of these important health programs that enable hospitals in Delaware and beyond to provide quality more accessible care to their patients and communities.
“The Delaware Healthcare Association urges Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year, which has been a key element of the current federal funding debate. Without an extension, thousands of Delawareans are expected to lose health coverage. At the same time, nobody benefits from a government shutdown, and this shutdown will have real implications on critical healthcare programs. The current political gridlock creates uncertainty making these times only more challenging.
The shutdown means a lapse in federal funding that comes at a time when key health programs known as health extenders are set to expire unless extended by Congress. These programs include waivers that allow for expanded access to telehealth services and hospital at home programs. Other key health extenders expiring include the continuation of the Medicare-dependent hospital program and preventing Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts. We appreciate the leadership and advocacy of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation to fight for these important healthcare programs and hope that a resolution will be swift to provide certainty for Delaware hospitals and the patients they serve.”
About the Delaware Healthcare Association
The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) was formed in 1967 and is a statewide trade and membership services organization that represents and serves hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare organizations in their role of providing a continuum of appropriate, cost-effective, quality care to improve the health of the people of Delaware. DHA’s mission is to provide policy and advocacy leadership in creating an excellent environment to support our members in helping every Delawarean to be as healthy as they can be.
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