Delaware Lieutenant Governor Announces Health Care Proposal To Expand Access To Preventive Care In State

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 02 Nov 2007 - 10:00 PDT

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Delaware Lt. Gov. and gubernatorial candidate John Carney (D) on Monday announced a proposal to subsidize health insurance for the more than 40,000 uninsured state residents who do not qualify for federal health programs and do not receive employer coverage, the Wilmington News Journal reports. Carney announced the proposal after attending the Delaware Public Policy Institute's summit on health care for the uninsured.

The plan, called "Delaware First Care," would utilize existing Community Health Access Program facilities, nine centers in the state that serve residents with annual incomes less than $20,420 or $41,300 for a family of four. Under the plan, residents with annual incomes up to $51,050 or $103,250 for a family of four would have access to physical examinations, immunizations, routine primary care and "well-child" visits at these facilities, with fees on a sliding scale based on income.

Carney said that the plan probably would enroll 4,000 residents in its first year. He added that he wants to begin work on the proposal immediately and will continue to do so if elected. Carney said that given the state's financial situation, the plan could be difficult to pass next year, although he did not have an estimate for how much the plan would cost.

State Treasurer Jack Markell, who is running against Carney in the Democratic primary, said reducing the number of uninsured state residents "will certainly be one of [his] top priorities" (Miller, Wilmington News Journal, 10/30).

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