Senate Republicans Issue Statement Following Passage of HB 350

DOVER, DE: The Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus issued the below statement after HB 350 passed the Senate.

“We appreciate all the hard work and conversations the Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) has had with members of the General Assembly over the past two months. Through these discussions, House Bill 350’s (HB 350) sponsors and DHA were able to reach an agreement on an amendment that was added to the legislation prior to its vote on the Senate Floor. DHA stated it has taken a “neutral” position on HB 350 with the updated language.

“Highlights of the amendment include removing the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board’s ability to seize hospital assets, requiring at least one member from each of Delaware’s three counties to have a seat on the Board, and revising the cost cap requirement that would have resulted in our non-profit hospitals losing nearly $360 million.

“No doubt, this amendment makes a disastrous bill less bad. Even with the revised language, HB 350 is still a bad bill. Senate Republicans honored our commitment to our constituents and stood in opposition.

“Our caucus continues to have deep concerns about a politically appointed board having full oversight and, essentially, control over the budgets of Delaware’s non-profit hospitals. Rarely, if ever, has the government corrected an issue by directly involving itself in the private sector.

“Furthermore, supporters claim the bill will help lower state employees’ healthcare costs. Meanwhile, Senate Democrat Leader Bryan Townsend is spearheading the charge on Senate Bill 10, dubbed the Delaware Pre-Authorization Reform Act of 2023. During its committee hearing on Wednesday, May 15^th, nearly every individual who offered public comment testified the bill, if passed and signed into law, would significantly increase the cost of healthcare for state employees and retirees.

“Make no mistake, the state’s non-profit hospitals are not at fault for the rising cost of healthcare and health insurance premiums. For these reasons stated, we voted No on HB 350.”

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