Bill > HB163

This bill establishes the Delaware Diabetes Wellness Pilot Program within the Department of Human Resources to transform diabetes healthcare from a reactive "sick care" approach to a proactive "well care" model. The three-year pilot program will recruit 400-500 volunteers from the State Group Health Insurance Plan to participate in an observational study that uses advanced technology and personalized healthcare management. Participants will receive comprehensive baseline health assessments, continuous glucose monitoring, dietary counseling, and individualized health tracking. The program aims to measure the potential for improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs by helping participants make lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, exercise, and sleep pattern improvements. The Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) will collect and analyze data, comparing the pilot group with a control group, and will submit reports every six months. If the program shows significant positive results, the Secretary of Human Resources can potentially expand the program. The bill highlights the substantial economic burden of diabetes in Delaware, noting that nearly 28% of Delawareans have diabetes or prediabetes, and the state spends billions annually on diabetes-related healthcare. The ultimate goal is to develop a replicable model for managing diabetes that could potentially reduce long-term medical costs and improve patients' quality of life.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142293