Analysis in CRI’s “Delaware Health Care Initiative” paper clearly evidences that due to a lack of competition, Delaware has among the highest priced health care in the nation. And more evidence of the consequences of the lack of competition is surfacing.   Last week, the News Journal reported that Christiana Care has been charged in Federal District Court for providing kickbacks to independent doctors in exchange for lucrative Medicaid patient referrals. This may help to expl

Delaware Health Care Initiative Main points by Dr. Stacie Beck, CRI Board Member John Toedtman, CRI Advisory Council Member January 6, 2019     Delaware is besieged by runaway health care prices.   According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Delaware ranks 3 rd among the states in health care expenditures per capita. Delaware ranks 4 th in hospital adjusted expenses per day and 2 nd in mail order prescription drugs per capita.   The State ranks 3 rd in Medicaid physician f

Moving Delaware Out of the Economic Doldrums David. T. Stevenson, Policy Director | 12/30/2018 Executive Summary   Why do we care about a growing economy?  The basic answer is faster growing economies lead to higher incomes making everyone a little richer, especially reducing poverty rates and unemployment rates.  The Delaware economy actually fell a half percent a year between 2007 and 2015, and ranks 43 rd in growth.  Real Median Household Income is down an astounding $12,

Costs in any market, including health care, are reduced by raising productivity. The best way to achieve this is to release the forces of competition inherent in free markets. Proposed reforms of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) seek to do this on the demand side by incentivizing patients/consumers to shop for the best and lowest-priced care via, i.e., health savings accounts (HSAs) and cross-state-border sales of health insurance. However, less attention has been paid

When we plan a home renovation or car repair, typically we call a few businesses who give us estimates either over the phone or in person. Sometimes these initial consultations are free, other times there is a charge, but at least we know what to expect. We understand that additional problems may be found and we expect to be consulted on any additional charges that may result. Why can’t we do this with a hip replacement? Or an ankle X-ray? Or any other non-emergency medical c

Don’t Ask the Poor to Pay for Your Electric vehicle by David T. Stevenson, Policy Director 12/21/2018   The Delaware Electric Vehicle Association responded to my article claiming EVs are a very expensive way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  Interestingly the response doesn’t really dispute that claim.    I compared the cost difference of an electricity powered Chevy Bolt to a very similar gasoline fueled Chevy Cruze and found the emission savings cost over $1,500 a ton, 

With DEFAC about to meet, a recap of Delaware’s fiscal condition by Dr. John Stapleford, CRI Chair 12/17/2018   What is DEFAC and why is it important? DEFAC is the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council. Although the Governor appoints members, DEFAC is intended to be an independent, oversight group that reviews the state revenues and expenditures.   DEFAC last met in September of this year, what was DEFAC’s outlook for the current fiscal year, FY19? DEFAC projected

The Center for Energy Competitiveness A Review of Gabel Associates, Inc. Report:   "Benefit Cost Analysis for Electric Vehicle Adoption in the DE DPL Territory"

Delaware Lags in Fiscal Health by Dr. John Stapleford, CRI Chair 12/5/2018     The 2018 ranking of states by fiscal condition has been issued by the Mercatus Center. The analysis is based upon FY16 financial reports.   Delaware ranks 44th among the states for fiscal health.   Delaware has between 1.34 and 1.98 times the cash needed to cover short-term obligations. Revenues only cover 96 percent of expenses, with a worsening net position of –$377 per capita. In the long run, D

The Center for Energy Competitiveness Numerous programs have been suggested to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide to ease global warming concerns. Few are as expensive as switching to battery powered motor vehicles. A comparison between the Chevrolet Bolt battery electric compact hatchback, and its near twin Chevrolet Cruze hatchback powered by a conventional internal combustion engine showed the cost to reduce a ton of emissions would be a whopping $1550. For perspective, th