Delaware recently released its fourth annual benchmark trend report on health care, with a focus on reducing the economic burden of health care spending and improving quality measures within the system. While per capita health care spending increased by over 6%, surpassing the benchmark growth rate of 3%, the results of quality measures showed a mixed outcome.
The report highlighted both positive and negative trends in Delaware’s health care system. Some areas of improvement included the use of opioids at high dosages and statin therapy for cardiovascular disease patients. However, there were also concerning trends such as opioid-related deaths, which were above the benchmark in 2022 and increased from the previous year. Additionally, adult obesity rates were also above the benchmark by 6%, with an increase from 2021, leading to worries from health officials like Steven Costantino, the director of health care reform for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Costantino expressed particular concern regarding the obesity issue and its link to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He emphasized the need for more interventions and preventative measures to address this rising trend. The report also highlighted areas where certain screenings, such as cervical cancer screening for Medicaid patients, did not meet the benchmark, indicating disparities in care across different populations.
Despite these challenges, there is hope that policymakers can consider alternative approaches to improve health care delivery and outcomes. The report analyzed nine key areas by age, gender, and race/ethnicity to provide a comprehensive overview of health care trends in Delaware.
In summary, Delaware’s fourth annual benchmark trend report on health care highlights both positive and negative trends in the state’s health care system. While per capita health care spending increased significantly compared to previous years, some areas of improvement include opioid therapy for cardiovascular disease patients while some concerning trends include opioid-related deaths and adult obesity rates above the benchmark. Policymakers will need to consider alternative approaches to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in order to reduce disparities in healthcare access across different populations in Delaware.
