Governor Carney, Congressional Delegation Oppose Trump Administration on Clean Air Ruling

WILMINGTON, Del.Governor John Carney, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester issued the following statements on the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to deny a petition by Delaware and seven other northeastern states to expand the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) to limit air pollution. The petition asked the EPA to add eight additional states to the OTR, along with portions of Virginia. The petition was based on a provision in the Clean Air Act designed to hold states accountable for cross-border air pollution.

“Our air quality is significantly impacted by pollution traveling downwind from other states, and we sought, in this petition, to work with neighbor states to equitably address that pollution and its effects on Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “Delawareans deserve clean air and, simply put, this disappointing decision by the EPA to deny expansion of the Ozone Transport Region will limit our ability to deliver on that promise. The federal government, through the EPA, must act to curb air pollution traveling across state borders, and we will continue to take action that will underscore that point to the Trump Administration.”

“It is a measurable fact that over 90 percent of Delaware’s air pollution comes from upwind states. EPA’s decision to deny expansion of the Ozone Transport Region means it will be even harder for Delaware to hold its neighbors accountable for the air pollution coming across our borders,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Since taking the reins at EPA, Scott Pruitt has continually said the states know best when it comes to cleaning up their air and water. But this decision flies in the face of that talking point, denying our reasonable request to work with our neighbors to address ozone pollution. When it comes to protecting Delawareans from other states’ pollution, EPA hasn’t done its job and now, it’s not even allowing states to work together to pick up the slack.”

“I am disappointed that EPA chose to deny this petition to expand the OTR,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “Delaware air quality depends heavily on the behavior of our neighbors, and unfortunately we are the recipients of cross-border pollution from states outside the OTR that contribute to high ozone levels in Delaware. I hope that EPA will take actions soon to demonstrate that they are working to address ozone transport.”

“By denying the petition to expand the Ozone Transport Region, the EPA is making it more difficult for Delaware to work with its neighbors on ozone transport and improved air quality,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Given the significant impact of air pollution in Delaware that originates in other states, it’s crucial that EPA work with regional stakeholders in a coordinated and fair manner to deliver tangible action that is sorely needed.”

 

###


Open Enrollment Starts Wednesday for Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 31, 2017) – With the open enrollment period for Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace cut in half from 12 weeks to six weeks, Delawarean seeking coverage for 2018 are urged to sign up early  beginning Nov. 1 in order to avoid any last-minute rush before the Dec. 15 deadline. Early enrollment is also important because the federal government has announced planned maintenance shutdowns of HealthCare.gov on most Sundays during open enrollment.

The fifth open enrollment period, in which people can renew coverage or sign up for a new plan for 2018, runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, at www.HealthCare.gov. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will be effective Jan. 1.

The state will formally mark the Health Insurance Marketplace’s fifth enrollment period with a press conference at 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at Westside Family Healthcare’s Northeast Wilmington Health Center, 908-B E. 16th St.

“Health insurance is a critical connection to quality health care,” Governor John Carney said. “Since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, Delaware’s uninsured rate has been reduced significantly and more people are getting the health care they need. For people who don’t have access to health insurance through an employer or another form of coverage, the Health Insurance Marketplace offers them an opportunity to get covered. I urge Delawareans to shop early for a plan, meet with in-person assisters to get help understanding your options and to sign up by December 15th.”

Delaware currently has more than 27,000 people enrolled for coverage through its Health Insurance Marketplace, including 73 percent who re-enrolled for 2017 and 27 percent who were new enrollees.

Earlier this year, Aetna announced it would not sell plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2018. Enrollees with Aetna plans for 2017 must choose one of seven Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware plans that are available for purchase in 2018 or they will be automatically enrolled in a similar plan offered by Highmark. Enrollees who currently have coverage through Aetna Health or Aetna Life will be notified in writing as to what steps to take to obtain an alternate plan.

In October, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced that the Department of Insurance had approved an average rate increase of 25 percent for 2018. With the premium increase, Delaware is making an extra effort this enrollment season to make sure residents who do not have employer-sponsored health insurance or who are not eligible for public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are aware of the federal tax credits available when they buy private plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as Obamacare. The tax credits can help reduce the cost of their monthly premiums.

“With the uncertainty in Washington, many people may not realize that they can still get coverage through the Marketplace and that there’s still financial help available to help them pay for the plan they choose,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “This year, more than 80 percent of Delawareans who have a Marketplace plan are receiving tax credits to lessen the costs of their premiums. It’s important that enrollees with a current Aetna plan go to HealthCare.gov or make an appointment with an assister who can help walk them through their enrollment options. I urge anyone who needs high-quality, affordable health insurance to go to HealthCare.gov to shop for a plan, and I encourage those who are already enrolled to go back to the website, update their information and pick a plan that meets their health needs and budget.”

“Every American ought to have access to quality affordable health care,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Despite the Affordable Care Act’s challenges and the uncertainty in Washington, D.C., consumers should not be discouraged. As a result of Obamacare, more Delawareans are now insured and receiving the health care not only that they need, but that they deserve. Last year Delaware continued its high participation rate on the Marketplace and achieved a 95 percent insured rate throughout the state. Open enrollment is an opportunity to build on these advancements. Because enrollment has been shortened, the Department of Insurance encourages consumers to enroll as early as possible and to consult navigators and other enrollment assisters to select the most cost-efficient plans that offer the greatest quality of services and coverage.”

Consumers can go to HealthCare.gov now to check out their options for 2018. Individuals who need help enrolling in coverage will have access to free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at several Delaware organizations, including Westside Family Healthcare, Chatman LLC, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center and La Red Health Center.

State-licensed insurance agents and brokers are also available to help individuals re-enroll and to help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge.

For more information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com. You can enroll in marketplace coverage at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling 1 (800) 318-2596 (TTY: 1 855 889-4325).

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Eight-one percent of Delaware’s current Marketplace enrollees receive financial assistance to help pay their monthly premiums and/or deductibles and co-pays.
• The current average monthly premium in Delaware is $569, with an average tax credit among all enrollees of $338 per month. For the 81 percent of Delawareans who currently receive financial assistance, the average premium after tax credit is $162 per month.
• Among the more than 27,000 current enrollees, 73 percent are re-enrollees and 27 percent are new enrollees for 2017.
• Financial help is available for individuals with annual incomes up to $47,520; for a family of four the income limit is $97,200.
• More than half of all current Delaware enrollees signed up during two weeks in 2017, Dec. 11-17 and Dec. 18-24.

For 2018, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware will offer a total of seven plans for individuals – one gold plan, three silver, two bronze and one catastrophic. Two insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – will offer a collective 12 stand-alone dental plans, six with a low actuarial level (70 percent) and six with a high actuarial level (85 percent).

All plans cover essential health benefits such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, and pediatric services.

The three metal-level categories – bronze, silver and gold – are based on how enrollees choose to split the costs of care with their insurance company. Bronze plans have low monthly premiums but high costs when you need care; gold plans have high premiums but lower costs when you need care.

Tax credits are especially beneficial to consumers who pick the second-lowest cost silver plan, since the credits adjust to match any changes in premium. In a silver plan, the insurer pays about 70 percent of medical costs and the consumer pays about 30 percent, up to a maximum annual out-of-pocket cap of $7,350 for an individual and $14,700 for a family.

Consumers who pick silver plans might also qualify for additional savings through discounts on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. In Delaware, about 45 percent of current enrollees qualify for cost-sharing reductions.

Penalty for going without coverage

Individuals who can afford coverage but who choose not to buy are expected to pay a penalty equal to the higher of these amounts: 2.5% of your annual household income or $695 per person ($347.50 per child under 18). For 2017, the maximum penalty will not exceed $2,085 per household. In addition to the penalty, consumers will be responsible for the total cost of health expenses they incur.

Consumers can estimate their penalty using the penalty calculator available on ChooseHealthDE.com.

Delaware’s senators and U.S. representative urged uninsured Delawareans to find out what’s available for them on the Marketplace.

“I encourage everyone to use the Marketplace open enrollment period to get their free help from navigators up and down the state and review their options for coverage in 2018,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Tax credits are available to help cover the cost of the premium, and some may find out they are eligible for Medicaid. Despite partisan politics down in Washington, the Affordable Care Act is still the law of the land, so don’t delay in getting covered.”

“Open enrollment is a great opportunity for Delaware families to shop around in the Health Insurance Marketplace and find a plan that works best for them,” Sen. Chris Coons said. “Whether you have insurance already or not, I encourage all Delawareans to visit HealthCare.gov and explore plans and financial assistance that may be available to them. While we have more work ahead to improve the ACA and bring down overall health care costs, open enrollment is an important opportunity for families to get the comprehensive health care they need, regardless of age, background, or pre-existing conditions.”

“As families budget for 2018, the beginning of health care open enrollment marks the time to shop around, research what discounts may be available, and select coverage for the upcoming year,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The health care exchanges are a valuable resource for all families in accessing quality care, and a number of Delaware families may qualify for financial assistance in meeting their insurance costs. With a shortened open enrollment period this year, I recommend all Delawareans visit ChooseHealthDE.com to get more information about what plans are available to meet their family’s needs and to find out how to take advantage of free, in-person help to navigate the health care marketplace.”

Businesses with 50 employees or fewer can offer plans to their employees starting any month of the year through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Go to HealthCare.gov or call 1 (800) 706-7893 (TTY: 711).

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some residents might be eligible for coverage though Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

Delaware’s uninsured population decreased from 10 percent in 2008 to 5.7 percent in 2016, according to a recent Census Bureau report. That decline includes Delawareans who could not get coverage before the Affordable Care Act because of pre-existing conditions. Increasing access to health care coverage is the first step toward a healthier Delaware, Secretary Walker said. “Through our work on a health care spending benchmark for Delaware linked to the state’s economy, we are striving to ensure that our health care system delivers quality care, produces better health outcomes, slows the growth of health care spending and enhances the experience of health care providers.”

-30-
The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


US NewGenzyme cuts ribbon at its Newport facility

Newport, DE – Governor John Carney, Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock and other officials and dignitaries joined US NewGenzyme President and CEO Gaofeng Liu to and members of the Global Delaware team Thursday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the company’s Newport facility.

“We are very excited to start operations in Newport,” said Gaofeng Liu, president and CEO of US NewGenzyme. “The state of Delaware and New Castle County have been very supportive of our efforts from the very start, and we are confident this will be a successful opportunity for both our company and the state.”

“We are excited and honored to welcome NewGenzyme to Delaware,” said Gov. Carney. “My administration is committed to building a strong innovation economy, and NewGenzyme is a perfect example of this—an entrepreneurial operation that will create high-tech jobs and additional opportunity right here in our state.”

US NewGenzyme, a subsidiary of Chinese food ingredient and flour additive company Southern New Well Food Co., uses a fermentation process to manufacture an all-natural bio-enzyme used to improve flour products. The enzyme will be sold directly to large baking ingredient companies as well as directly to large bakeries and flour mills in the U.S. and abroad. The product will help to replace chemical bleaching agents, which have been banned in China and several European countries. The U.S. market has also seen a significant decrease in the use of chemical bleaching agents, and an increased demand for safer alternatives.

“The bio-enzyme is safer than the chemical alternatives and improves the color, shelf-life and texture of the dough,” Mr. Liu explained. “This enzyme is well-known in the industry, but until now, the challenge has been to produce it affordably on an industrial scale. It took us several years to develop and fine-tune the manufacturing process, but we are now ready to start commercial production in our Delaware facility.”

Delaware provides right location, resources

Although the company’s research operations are in Maryland, the company chose to locate its manufacturing facility in Delaware because of the strong manufacturing legacy in the region, US NewGenzyme Business Manager Mike Tian explained. “Making the move from a lab-scale operation to an industrial-scale operation is a big step, and not an easy one. Here in Delaware, we were able to get the assistance we needed to launch our operation quickly and without a lot of extra steps. Everyone at the state of Delaware has been extremely helpful.”

Mr. Tian noted that the facility is an easy drive to the FDA and close to excellent schools that can provide a talent pool as it ramps up operations. In addition, the plant’s proximity to Interstate 95 provides easy distribution to East Coast customers.
“Delaware has much to offer young bioscience companies, from its strategic location to its outstanding universities and deep talent pool,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “NewGenzyme joins a growing number of strong, innovative companies, and we look forward to partnering with them to ensure their long-term success.”

Once the plant is running at full capacity, US NewGenzyme will employ between five and ten people, Mr. Tian said. Many of the positions will be manufacturing jobs, but the plant will also require several science and engineering professionals for quality assurance and plant management.

“We look forward to starting operations very soon, and we are grateful to Global Delaware and to officials around the State and County for all of their support in helping us make this project a reality,” Mr. Tian added.


Delaware Guardsmen Deploy to Puerto Rico

Transportation Experts Called to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

SMYRNDA, Del. – On Tuesday, October 24th at approximately 745am, 36 Soldiers from the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company departed the Smryna Readiness Center (103 Artisan Drive in Smryna) via motor coach and to be flown to Puerto Rico to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

“Delawareans have proven that we stand ready and willing to help our fellow citizens affected by natural disasters,” said Governor Carney. “To the 36 Soldiers responding to the mission in Puerto Rico, thank you for your service. And thank you to all members of our Delaware National Guard who are answering the call to help those in need.”

The Soldiers will deploy for up to 60 days and help transport supplies necessary to support the citizens of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria.  The Soldiers are truck drivers and maintenance personnel. They have a wealth of experience. Some have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and others to New York in 2012 in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Since August, about 80 Delaware National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and women have deployed to support hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The Delaware National Guard has transported 80 tons of supplies to include, generators, satellite communications equipment, medical supplies, and food and water. Our C-130 aircraft pilots and crews have evacuated more than 250 citizens to safety. We have also provided support with medical, engineer, and communications experts. Currently, we have a team on the ground in the Virgin Islands helping with aerial port operations at St. Croix Airport, along with a team of communication experts assisting in Puerto Rico.

“This request for support just came last Thursday, but these Soldiers reacted in true Minuteman tradition – leaving within less than a week.  They are always ready, always there,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Director of the Delaware National Guard’s Joint Staff.

For more information, please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302 540 0134, or email at Leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil.

 

XXX


Study Gives Delaware A+ for Small Business Friendliness

Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism hosting listening sessions statewide

WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware received an A+ rating and ranked #2 out of 50 states in the 2017 Small Business Friendliness Survey released on Thursday by Thumbtack, a web and phone application for small businesses.

Thumbtack awarded the state A+ ratings in 9 of 12 categories studied – most importantly in Overall Friendliness.

“Thumbtack’s study confirms what people living and working in Delaware see every day. This state is a great place for entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed,” said Governor John Carney. “We continue to work to make Delaware an even better home for small business. Since taking office, my team has focused on this area of economic development with the creation of the Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism, which will take Delaware’s support for small businesses and entrepreneurs to the next level.”

“The ranking reflects Delaware’s previous and continuing efforts to have a direct and immediate impact on small businesses through close working relationships with owners and entrepreneurs,” said Cerron Cade, Director of the Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism. “This is gratifying feedback from the community, and we are looking for even more as we continue to improve our approach to economic development.”

The Division is hosting three listening sessions Tuesday through Thursday – one in each county – to allow the public to share how the state can further support small business development.

Tuesday’s study release also comes on the heels of the state launching its new #OptionsInDE campaign, which is highlighting the many reasons Delaware is an appealing location for business of any size to grow and thrive.

Between July and September of this year, Thumbtack surveyed more than 13,000 small business owners across 50 states and 80 cities to determine how easy government makes it to start, run and expand a small business. This is the sixth year the company has produced the nationwide survey.

###

 

Related:
OptionsInDE.com
Governor Carney op-ed in The News Journal: “Innovation is Delaware’s path to jobs and prosperity”
Governor Carney Takes Steps to Restructure Delaware’s Economic Development Efforts, Create Jobs
Governor Carney Announces Strategic Plan to Restructure Delaware’s Economic Development Efforts