Delaware is facing a critical shortage of primary care physicians, prompting state and federal leaders to explore legislative solutions.
From increasing insurance reimbursement rates to the potential establishment of a medical school, various strategies are being considered to attract and retain healthcare providers in the state.
Legislative Actions to Boost Healthcare Access
Gov. Matt Meyer and state legislators have prioritized healthcare workforce expansion.
A key initiative under discussion is the creation of a medical school, which could help train and retain doctors in Delaware.
Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, Rehoboth Beach, emphasized that while this solution is moving forward, it will take years to materialize.
Meanwhile, Sen. Russell Huxtable, Lewes, expressed support for drafting new bills aimed at addressing the physician shortage.
Additional measures under consideration include:
- Simplifying the process for transferring medical credentials from other states
- Expedited background checks for home healthcare providers
- Expanding telehealth services to enhance accessibility
Federal Support for Workforce Expansion
U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester is actively working on solutions to address nationwide healthcare workforce shortages.
She has introduced legislation such as the National Nursing Workforce Center Act and secured funding to support nursing programs.
In 2022, she helped pass legislation that provided $1 million to the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
The Role of Local Healthcare Initiatives
The Sussex Economic Development Action Committee conducted a feasibility study on establishing a medical school in Sussex County.
The study concluded that while no single healthcare organization in the county can support such a project alone, a collaborative effort could make it a reality.
The Delaware Healthcare Association has outlined its priorities for the year, which include:
- Developing a healthcare workforce scholarship program
- Advocating for reforms to prior authorization processes
- Ensuring adequate reimbursement for primary care and behavioral health services
- Expanding health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations
Addressing Financial Barriers
A significant factor driving the physician shortage is Delaware’s lower insurance reimbursement rates—30% to 40% below those of neighboring states.
This financial disparity discourages doctors from practicing in the state and has led some to adopt concierge medicine models.
To counter this trend, healthcare providers are implementing solutions such as:
- Expanding residency programs to train new physicians
- Recruiting international medical professionals through visa programs
- Leveraging technology like telemedicine to improve efficiency
Beebe Healthcare has already taken action, establishing a residency program and constructing a new facility in Long Neck to support its expansion.
Scheduled to open this summer, the facility will accommodate additional medical disciplines.
Conclusion
As state and federal leaders push forward with legislative and financial solutions, the hope is to build a stronger healthcare workforce capable of meeting the growing demand.
Stay updated on Delaware’s healthcare initiatives and other important news—follow our blog for the latest developments!
Source: Cape Gazette