In Delaware, the fourth annual benchmark trend report on health care has revealed a mix of positive and negative aspects of the First State’s healthcare system. The 2022 report focused on progress and priorities to reduce the economic burden of healthcare spending while improving quality measures. Per capita health care spending increased by over 6%, outpacing the 3% growth rate benchmark, but the results of the quality measures were not entirely positive.
Improvements were seen in some areas, such as the use of opioids at high dosages and statin therapy for cardiovascular disease patients. However, opioid-related deaths were above the benchmark in 2022, increasing from the previous year. Adult obesity also exceeded its benchmark by 6%, which is a concerning trend according to Steven Costantino, director of health care reform for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Costantino expressed particular concern about the link between obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for more interventions and prevention strategies to address this issue. Cervical cancer screening fell short of the benchmark, especially in the Medicaid population, as did breast cancer screening for Medicaid patients. On a positive note, colorectal cancer screening exceeded the benchmark for commercial insurance patients, as did breast cancer screenings.
Despite an increase in per capita healthcare spending by over 6%, there was little improvement in quality measures overall. This disconnect has prompted policymakers to consider ways to influence providers and payers to change their approach to certain healthcare issues. The report analyzed nine areas by age, gender, and race/ethnicity to provide a comprehensive overview of health care trends in Delaware.
Overall, while some aspects of Delaware’s healthcare system are improving, there is still much work that needs to be done to address concerns such as obesity-related chronic diseases and disparities in access to quality care based on socioeconomic status or race/ethnicity. Policymakers will need to continue working with providers and payers to develop effective strategies that promote both cost savings and improved outcomes for patients.
