In Delaware, the fourth annual benchmark trend report on health care has highlighted both positive and negative aspects of the state’s healthcare system. The 2022 report focused on progress and priorities to reduce the economic burden of health care spending while improving quality measures. While per capita health care spending increased by over 6%, outpacing the 3% growth rate benchmark, the results of the quality measures presented a mixed bag.
Improvements were noted in certain 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%, 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. On a positive note, colorectal cancer screening exceeded its benchmark for commercial insurance patients and breast cancer screenings met their targets. However, cervical cancer screening fell short of its benchmark, especially among Medicaid patients.
Despite increases in health care spending by over 6%, there was no improvement in quality measures according to this disconnect report prompted policymakers to consider ways to influence providers and payers to change their approach to certain health care issues. The report analyzed nine areas by age, gender, and race/ethnicity to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare trends in Delaware.
The report shows that despite some progress in certain areas, there is still much work that needs to be done to improve overall healthcare outcomes in Delaware. Policymakers must continue their efforts towards improving accessibility and affordability of healthcare services while ensuring quality measures are being met efficiently.