Delaware recently released its fourth annual benchmark trend report on health care, highlighting both positive and negative trends in the state. The report for 2022 focuses on reducing the economic burden of health care spending and improving quality measures within the health care system. While per capita health care spending increased by over 6%, surpassing the benchmark growth rate of 3%, the results of quality measures showed a mixed outcome.
Some areas of improvement included the use of opioids at high dosages and statin therapy for cardiovascular disease patients. However, the report also revealed concerning trends such as opioid-related deaths, which were well above the benchmark in 2022 and increased from the previous year. Adult obesity rates were also above the benchmark by 6%, with an increase from 2021, leading to worries from health officials like Steven Costantino, the director of health care reform for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Costantino expressed particular concern regarding the obesity issue and its link to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He emphasized the need for more interventions and preventative measures to address this rising trend. The report also highlighted areas where certain screenings, such as cervical cancer screening for Medicaid patients, did not meet the benchmark, indicating disparities in care across different populations.
Despite the increase in health care spending, Costantino noted that there is a disconnect between spending and quality outcomes, prompting policymakers to consider alternative approaches to improve health care delivery and outcomes. The report analyzed nine key areas by age, gender, and race/ethnicity to provide a comprehensive overview of health care trends in Delaware.