Late-session bill proposes breaking up Delaware health department

With about a week left in the legislative session, the Senate majority leader has introduced a bill that would look into breaking up the Department of Health and Social Services — the largest state agency that oversees programs like Medicaid, food stamps and disability and addiction services. 

The department, which has 11 divisions, receives about $1.2 billion in state funding and employs about a quarter of all state employees. The bill, introduced by Democratic Sen. Nicole Poore, would create an 11-person committee to discuss ways to restructure the department, currently headed by Dr. Kara Odom Walker. 

The legislation proposes creating two departments, with one overseeing policy and the other overseeing services for residents. The bill requires the committee to release an implementation report in March 2021.

"I certainly don't want to tell her how to do her job," Poore said of Odom Walker. "This is about making sure we create more efficiencies in the state of Delaware."

A spokesman for Gov. John Carney wrote in an email that Carney has spoken with Poore and "understands the senator’s interest in this issue."

"Any discussions about restructuring or reforming DHSS should include significant engagement with those Delawareans, and those Delaware families who may be affected — including employees of the agency. We will continue to discuss the legislation with Senator Poore," he said.

When asked for comment, a DHSS spokeswoman referred to the governor's statement. 

The senate majority leader did not provide specifics on issues that exist in the department that would subsequently be improved with a restructuring. She praised Odom Walker's policy work and said she wants to find another cabinet secretary to complement her. 

"I think that we have really good state employees and I think we have opportunities out there to look at the different departments and make sure we're finding leaders to lead," Poore said. 

The Department of Health and Social Services has evolved over the years, she said, noting that the Department of Corrections and Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families once existed under the department. 

She said dividing up the department will create the opportunity for more federal funds and improve health outcomes for residents, specifically seniors and people with disabilities. Poore said state employees' jobs will not be eliminated in the process of this restructuring. 

Poore first approached Carney with a bill that attempted to divide the health department. She said she then approached Odom Walker about a month ago and has since revised the legislation to include the committee's role.

The bill is co-sponsored by several other Democratic senators and representatives. Republican co-sponsors include Sens. Catherine Cloutier and Anthony Delcollo and Rep. Michael Smith.

"That started the conversation," Poore said of her original bill. "And sometimes ... you need to pull everything out to get people to sit at the table. It's taken me until June to get that done."

DELAWARE HEALTH

How Eisenberg Elementary's wellness center helped dramatically reduce disciplinary actions

State health officials want to lower Obamacare premiums by 20 percent

Contact Meredith Newman at 302-324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.