CONFERRING UPON THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES THE NECESSARY POWERS AND AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND PLAN FOR THE MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ANNUAL HEALTH CARE BENCHMARK.

Health care spending in Delaware is higher than the national average and has historically outpaced the State’s economic and revenue growth, contributing to the State’s current structural deficit. To combat ever rising costs, this Joint Resolution authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services to undertake the actions necessary to establish a health care benchmark, and designating the State’s 2018 fiscal year as a planning year. The Secretary is directed to consult with stakeholders in developing the benchmark.