Issue 11.23

June 13, 2025

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

This is crunch time in the General Assembly as they returned to work for the final session days of 2025. The situation is always very fluid this time of year, so stay tuned because bills thought to be dead somehow find new life, and things thought to be “greased” get sidetracked. A few bills of we're watching include:

Personal Income Tax Rates (HS 1 for HB 13)
Permitting Fees (HB 175)
The Pollution Accountability Act (HB 210)
Pay Transparency Act (HS 2 for HB 105)

FAST FACT: A recent analysis by Opera ranked Delaware ninth among states with the fastest-growing 85-and-older populations. Between 2003 and 2023, the number of residents in this age group increased by 65.6% in the state, well above the national average of 38.6%. Read more >

THE SENIOR CARE VALUE EQUATION

HOW REDEFINING SUCCESS METRICS IS TRANSFORMING ELDER CARE DELIVERY AND IMPROVING OUTCOMES

With seniors now constituting nearly one-fifth of Delaware’s population — and projected to grow substantially through 2040, particularly in Sussex County — the state faces an urgent capacity challenge. The expanding cohort of older residents with complex medical needs coincides with a contracting health care workforce pipeline. Research from the Association of American Medical Colleges paints a concerning picture: more than 40% of U.S. physicians will reach retirement age within the next decade, while the demand for specialized geriatric care continues to accelerate. Read more >

GROWING WITH

SUSSEX COUNTY

It's no secret that the population in Sussex County is growing —and aging. As the demand for healthcare services increases, Beebe Healthcare is making strategic decisions to build out programs for seniors and the families who have come to Sussex County. Read more >

CHANGES ARE COMING

The State announced that it is making changes to improve health outcomes for members enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare. Effective January 1, 2026, Delaware will require that beneficiaries of Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans be “exclusively aligned.” Read more >

INVESTING IN DELAWARE'S FUTURE

Delaware's demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities. The increasing number of older adults requires us to think innovatively about elder care, bolster our health care workforce, and expand access to a wider range of services. Read more >

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Intern Delaware participants had the opportunity to learn about Delaware’s robust STEM scene and tour Adesis' labratory space.

Humane Animal Partners cut the ribbon on their new mobile veterinary clinic in Sussex County\, which offers low-cost vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and wellness checks.