New laws codify ACA consumer protections in Delaware law and provide dental coverage for Medicaid recipients

WILMINGTON, Del. –  At Westside Family Healthcare, Governor John Carney joined members of the General Assembly and health care advocates to sign Senate Bill 35 and Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 92, two pieces of legislation that will protect quality health care coverage for Delawareans and Delaware families.  

Senate Bill 35 codifies consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act in Delaware law – including protections for Delawareans with pre-existing conditions, the guaranteed availability of coverage, and permissible rating factors. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 92 will provide dental coverage for all eligible adult Medicaid recipients.

“All Delawareans and Delaware families deserve access to quality, affordable health care,” said Governor Carney. “Both of these pieces of legislation will help us deliver on that promise. Senate Bill 35 will codify in Delaware law many of the protections in the Affordable Care Act – including protections for Delawareans with pre-existing medical conditions. And adults on Medicaid will finally have access to affordable dental coverage, which we know is important to overall health. Thank you to Senator Paradee, Senator Townsend, and all members of the General Assembly for their partnership on this important issue.”

“Ensuring that Medicaid patients can access primary dental care touches on so much of what we are here to do,” said Senate Majority Whip Bryan Townsend. “It improves health care access for working families, makes our entire health care system more affordable and efficient by expanding preventative and primary care options, and upholds human dignity in a small but incredibly impactful way. I am thankful for the persistent, people-first leadership of our local health care advocates, doctors, and experts and I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for making sure Delaware finally takes this critical step.”

“Quality, affordable health care – particularly protections for people with pre-existing conditions – should be available to every Delaware resident, not a political football to be yanked out from under them when they need it most,” said Representative Bill Bush. “By codifying key parts of the ACA, we are protecting this right for Delawareans for years to come, regardless of what happens in Washington.”

“Ensuring that Delawareans continue to receive the vital health care they need and deserve is paramount to my mission as Insurance Commissioner,” said Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Under this bill, Delaware guarantees that the most vulnerable consumers will continue to receive coverage. I thank Representative Bush and Senator Paradee for their commitment to protecting Delaware consumers.”

Photos from the signing ceremony can be found here.

###

More than 150 students and advisers from across Delaware joined more than 11,500 other members at the 42^nd annual HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference in Orlando last week. The students represented the First State in competitive events that included: medical math, epidemiology, physical therapy, forensic medicine, dental science, medical assisting, biomedical laboratory science and more.

Delaware HOSA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) dedicated to students who are interested in pursuing their future in a career in healthcare. Through HOSA-Future Health Professionals, members have the opportunity to participate in career focused competitive events, take part in community service work, and become leaders for the organization in their school, state, and at the international level.  HOSA-Future Health Professionals incorporates curricular and co-curricular experiences to emphasize the importance of knowledge, leadership, skill development, and teamwork.

The following students and advisers were recognized in their events:

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Students took home awards from two recent statewide health science competitions.

During HOSA-Future Health Professionals 5^th Annual Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28 at Nemours Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children in North Wilmington, students raised awareness of rare pediatric diseases. Their academic posters and presentations were judged by a group of distinguished judges from Nemours.

Rohan Kanchana and Caroline Kelly of Newark Charter School won first place for their presentation on sickle cell disease. Julie Curry and Beth Davis of Red Clay Consolidated School District’s Conrad Schools of Science placed second for their presentation on osteogenesis imperfecta. And Kayla Chin and Keirah Grace of Appoquinimink School District’s Middletown High School placed third for their presentation on retinitis pigmentosa.

Liz Lemus and Jennifer Mercado of New Castle County Vo-Tech School District’s Hodgson Vocational Technical High School won the philanthropy award.

Middle school students also took home honors Wednesday from HOSA’s Middle Leadership Conference .

The winners in health career display were:

• Gold: Savayah Brown and Emani Jackson of Capital School District’s Central Middle School
• Silver: Reese Culver and Paige Synoski of Capital School District’s Central Middle School
• Bronze: Chelsea Henry and Zion Webb of Colonial School District’s McCullough Middle School

The winners in medical terminology were:

• Gold: Jemela Malone of Capital School District’s Central Middle School
• Silver: Kendal Owens of Capital School District’s Central Middle School
• Bronze: Michael Blose of Capital School District’s Central Middle School

HOSA-Future Health Professionals is an international student organization that provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education.  The Delaware charter of HOSA-Future Health Professionals started in 2011 by the Department of Education.

Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

GEORGETOWN (March 1, 2019) – In an effort to reduce the number of individuals dying from drug overdoses in Delaware, the Division of Public Health (DPH) will hold Community Naloxone Distribution events in each county throughout the month of March. DPH will distribute free naloxone kits to members of the general public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947. The distribution event will be held in the Theater Lobby and Rooms 344A/B in the Arts and Sciences Center. DPH is holding its first distribution event Saturday, March 2, 2019, in coordination with the atTAcK addiction 5K race in New Castle.

In addition, a third distribution event will be held in Kent County, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Delaware Technical Community College, Terry Campus, 100 Campus Drive, Dover DE 19904, Corporate Training Center Rooms 408 and 412.

Each naloxone kit will contain two doses of naloxone, and members of the community who attend these events will receive one-on-one training on how to administer the overdose-reversing medication. The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) also will have representatives on hand to answer any questions about access to treatment for those struggling with substance use disorder.

“It is critically important for family and friends of loved ones struggling with addiction to have access to naloxone,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “The data are telling us that 80 percent of overdoses happen in a residence. If family or friends of someone overdosing have naloxone immediately accessible, it can mean the difference between life or death for that person.”

Within three to five minutes after administration, naloxone can counteract the life-threatening respiratory depression of an opioid-related overdose and stabilize a person’s breathing, which buys time for emergency medical help to arrive. DPH recommends calling 9-1-1 immediately if you find someone in the midst of a suspected overdose, starting rescue breathing, and then administering naloxone. Naloxone is not a replacement for emergency medical care and seeking immediate help and follow-up care is still vital.

There were at least 291 deaths last year in Delaware from suspected overdoses. Tragically, the final number is expected to exceed 400 after all toxicology screens are finished (they take six-eight weeks) and final death determinations are made on outstanding cases by the Division of Forensic Science. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked Delaware as number six in the nation for overdose deaths in 2017.

In 2018, first responders administered 3,728 doses of naloxone, compared to 2,861 in 2017, a 30 percent increase.

Funding for the Community Naloxone Distribution Initiative comes from state funding built into DPH’s budget for the first time in state fiscal year 2019, thanks to the advocacy of Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Behavioral Health Consortium. In October, DPH also announced the agency was awarded federal funds to support the purchase of naloxone and other programs for first responders.

Community access to naloxone has increased significantly since 2014 when legislation was enacted making it available to the public. In 2017, Governor John Carney signed additional legislation ensuring pharmacists had the same legal protections as doctors, peace officers and good Samaritans when dispensing the medicine without a prescription.

Information on community training and pharmacy access to naloxone, along with resources regarding prevention, treatment and recovery are available on HelpIsHereDE.com.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER (March 1, 2019) — Although the overall number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases in Delaware this flu season remains lower than the total number of cases reported at the same time last year, the number of flu-related deaths has continued to increase during the 2018-2019 flu season.

As of February 16, 2019, the most recent date for which data is available, the Division of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed 3,264 flu cases in Delaware during the 2018-2019 season, down significantly from the 2017-2018 season when there were 5,758 confirmed flu cases reported by that time last year. However, DPH has been notified of 16 flu-related deaths so far this season, currently making it the third highest season for flu-related fatalities in the last decade. There were 35 flu-related deaths reported during the 2017-2018 season and 28 during the 2014-2015 season. The most recent death, which occurred this week, involved a 90-year-old Sussex County man who was infected with Influenza A and had multiple underlying health conditions. All 16 of the individuals who passed away this flu season were infected with influenza A and all had underlying health conditions or suspected health complications. The individuals have ranged in age from 41 to 90 years old. Four were New Castle County residents, six were Kent County residents, and six were Sussex County residents. Nine of the individuals were women and seven were men.
The risk for flu-related deaths is greatly increased in the very young, older individuals, and those of any age who have underlying health conditions. DPH continues to remind the public that there are steps they can take to prevent the spread of the flu. It is important for older individuals with underlying health conditions not only to be vaccinated, but also to limit contact with anyone who may be sick with influenza, and to contact their health care provider as soon as they become ill. Also, family, friends, and caregivers of older individuals with underlying health conditions should be vaccinated and arrange for alternative care, if possible, if they become sick with influenza.
DPH also recommends that individuals with chronic diseases monitor and manage their conditions, as non-compliance with physician’s recommendations can increase the risk for infection and complications. This includes maintaining appointments with their health care provider, taking medications as prescribed, and following diet and exercise recommendations from their doctor. Additionally, individuals who smoke and who are ready to stop using tobacco are encouraged to call the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858.

“We express our condolences to the family and friends of those who have passed away due to flu complications,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “The high number of flu deaths in Delaware is a somber reminder of how serious the flu can be and that we must take all precautions to protect ourselves and our community from this terrible disease. The flu is expected to continue circulating for several more weeks, therefore, we strongly encourage everyone to continue practicing important preventive measures to fight the flu, including getting a flu vaccine if you have not yet done so.” While it may seem late in the flu season to some, flu germs can spread well into the summer months. The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to take full effect, so anyone who has not yet received the vaccine should make an effort to get one as soon as possible.

In addition, DPH encourages Delawareans to take everyday steps to prevent the spread of the flu:
• Practice social distancing if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately; if no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your inner elbow.
• Take medications as prescribed.
Social distancing means that those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school, and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours. They should avoid close contact with well people in the household, and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as he or she may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions. Unlike colds, which develop gradually, flu symptoms come on suddenly, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people get complications including pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus and ear infections. People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and asthma are more susceptible to catching the flu.

Flu vaccines are still available at State Service Centers, primary care providers and specialists, pharmacies, and some grocery stores. To find participating stores, enter your zip code in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) flu vaccine finder at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/. For more information about the flu, visit flu.delaware.gov/ or call DPH at 1-800-282-8672. The CDC recommends use of any licensed, age-appropriate influenza vaccine, including inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV], recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV], or live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
Flu shots are still available at DPH clinics located within the State Service Centers:
• Porter State Service Center, 509 W. Eighth St., Wilmington. For all ages 9 and up. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Call 302-283-7587 (choose Option 2) to make an appointment Monday through Friday.
• Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Call 302-857-5140 to make an appointment Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Milford State Service Center – Riverwalk, 253 N.E. Front St., Milford. For ages 9 years and older. Call 302-424-7130 to make an appointment on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information, call 302-628-6772.
• Adams State Service Center, 544 S. Bedford St., Georgetown. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Call 302-515-3220 to make an appointment on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
For more information about flu surveillance in Delaware, read the weekly flu report at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/influenzawkly.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.