healthcare costs

The Delaware State Employee Benefits Committee, which is charged with negotiating and contracting benefits for the state’s employees and retirees, this month issued a report on one of Delaware’s largest expenditures, pharmacy benefits.

Delaware’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Neil Hockstein, starts on the job next week. The office will operate within the Department of Health and Social Services.

Governor Matt Meyer passed three healthcare cost reform bills Tuesday, two of which he put early support behind during the legislative session.

Initially controversial legislation aimed at reducing consumer spending on healthcare moved through the State Senate with minimal debate– and public support from the state’s largest healthcare lobbying group.

A possible restructure to a group that has significant sway over state employee and retiree healthcare will keep the treasurer as a member.

Delaware healthcare spending continues to outpace the benchmark goals the state sets for its providers, according to the most recent report from the Health and Social Services Department.

A group that manages state employee benefits and health coverage faces substantial changes under new legislation, proposed by State Senator Brian Townsend.

A subcommittee of Delaware’s Economic and Financial Advisory Council agreed to increase its benchmark for healthcare spending growth from 4.2 percent to 4.9 percent for 2027.

Retired and current Delaware State employees will still receive coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss, but with an increased co-pay.

A legislative effort that started in Delaware’s House of Representatives two years ago is coming full circle.