Delaware Debates Primary Care Overhaul Bill

Senate Bill 1 aims to transform healthcare, but faces resistance from hospital systems

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:38pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph of a human heart, glowing with a faint blue light against a dark background, conceptually representing the delicate balance between financial stability and patient-centered care in the healthcare system.An X-ray view of the human heart reveals the complex challenges of reforming Delaware's primary care system.Delaware Today

Delaware is considering Senate Bill 1, a proposed overhaul of primary care funding and regulation that has sparked intense debate between independent providers advocating for preventive, value-based care, and hospital systems concerned about the potential impact on jobs and access to care. The bill highlights the broader struggle to balance financial stability and patient-centered healthcare.

Why it matters

This debate in Delaware reflects the nationwide push to move away from the traditional hospital-centric model and towards a more holistic, preventive approach to healthcare. The outcome of Senate Bill 1 could set a precedent for how states approach primary care reform and the integration of value-based care models.

The details

Independent providers like Dr. David Donohue and Dr. Sarah Mullins argue that by focusing on preventive care and value-based models, they can deliver higher-quality, more efficient care, especially for chronic conditions. However, hospital systems like the Delaware Healthcare Association, led by Brian Frazee, warn that the bill could undermine progress in improving primary care access and reduce hospital reimbursement rates.

  • Senate Bill 1 was introduced in the Delaware legislature in early 2026.
  • The bill is currently under debate, with a vote expected in the coming months.

The players

Dr. David Donohue

An independent primary care provider in Delaware who supports Senate Bill 1 and its focus on preventive, value-based care models.

Dr. Sarah Mullins

Another independent primary care provider in Delaware advocating for the shift towards preventive care and value-based healthcare.

Brian Frazee

The president and CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association, which represents hospital systems and opposes Senate Bill 1 due to concerns about job losses and reduced access to care.

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What they’re saying

“By focusing on keeping patients healthy, we can deliver care more efficiently and effectively, especially for chronic conditions.”

— Dr. David Donohue, Independent Primary Care Provider

“The bill could undermine the progress made in improving primary care access, citing the potential impact on hospital reimbursement rates.”

— Brian Frazee, President and CEO, Delaware Healthcare Association

What’s next

The Delaware legislature is expected to vote on Senate Bill 1 in the coming months, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for primary care reform in other states.

The takeaway

The debate over Senate Bill 1 in Delaware highlights the broader struggle to balance financial stability and patient-centered healthcare. By embracing preventive care and value-based models, the state can create a more resilient and equitable healthcare system, but must address the concerns of both independent providers and hospital systems to ensure a successful transition.