The State of Health Care

Issue 12.23

June 18, 2026

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

As the 153rd General Assembly inches toward its close on June 30, several bills continue to advance that could have a meaningful impact on Delaware businesses. The Delaware State Chamber is supporting legislation focused on innovation and small business funding, child care and workforce development, housing and land use, real estate transfer tax relief, and environmental permitting and compliance as lawmakers work through the final weeks of session. Read more >

THE STATE OF HEALTH CARE

Q&A WITH SECRETARY CHRISTEN LINKE YOUNG

Sworn in last October, Secretary Christen Linke Young leads the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services at a consequential time for the state. A nationally recognized health policy leader with more than 15 years of experience in federal and state government, she now oversees one of Delaware’s largest agencies, which plays a central role in the well-being of communities across the state. We caught up with her to discuss her role and the work ahead. Read more >

FAST FACT: According to the Delaware Competitiveness Bluebook, Delaware spends $12.6 billion annually on health care, ranking 5th nationally in per-capita spending ($11,987 per resident). Health care costs also consume 17.6% of personal income in the First State, the 3rd-highest rate in the nation.

SUPPORTING DELAWARE'S AGING POPULATION

HOMEWELL CARE SERVICES IS EXPANDING ACCESS TO IN-HOME CARE AND WORKFORCE TRAINING

With the significant growth in Delaware’s population over the past two decades, particularly the 92% increase in residents aged 65 and older, comes a greater need to support an aging population and workforce. In-home care is one type of support most older adults require. In-home care includes companionship and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. For a large number of people who need this type of care, it falls on a family member to provide it to their loved one. Read more >

MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE

With the recent awarding of the Rural Health Transformation Program, we now have an incredible opportunity to change health care in a way that improves the lives and health of all Delawareans. We can best capitalize on this opportunity by focusing on expanding and strengthening our health care workforce at all levels. This will improve access to health care and decrease the time to receive care, whether in an emergency room or when scheduling a doctor’s visit. Read more >

PRIMARY CARE

PAYS OFF

Delaware is growing and aging at the same time. The state ranks among the top 10 nationally for population growth and fifth for median age. That combination puts pressure on primary care, where the demand for providers already outpaces the supply. Many independent practices have shifted to concierge models, serving fewer patients. Others have closed. For a growing number of Delawareans, finding a primary care provider has become increasingly difficult. Read more >

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

STATE AND THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY PARTNER TO ESTABLISH DELAWARE'S FIRST MEDICAL SCHOOL

Governor Matt Meyer announced a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University to establish a regional campus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, creating the first four-year medical school in Delaware’s history and a major investment in the future of healthcare access across the state.

Led by Sidney Kimmel Medical College, the Delaware Medical School Consortium—consisting of Delaware-based academic institutions and health care systems and supported by the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program—will collaborate in a coordinated, statewide effort to train and retain physicians. Read more >

FAST FACT: Delaware is currently one of three states in the nation without a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine granting institution.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

It is said that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Our State Chamber policy positions, while never perfect, are based upon fairness, facts, and a belief that policy should benefit the greatest number of people and do the greatest good. With that in mind, we oppose House Bill 417, not because we have an issue with a very small subset of restaurants, but because that bill benefits some restaurants at the expense of other restaurants and thousands of other local small businesses across Delaware. Read more >

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In Case You Missed It