Delaware Democrats strongly believe in universal health care coverage. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege for the few who can afford it. We are proud of being the Party of Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act. We need to build on these achievements, not weaken or gut them, and move closer to a universal health care while improving quality and reducing costs in the healthcare system. Delaware Democrats believe in reproductive rights and in promoting women’s health. Coming out of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, our Party supports science-based guidance from state and federal government agencies on responding to public health emergencies.
Universal Health Care: Delaware Democrats understand health care and health care coverage are basic human rights. Americans pay vastly more for healthcare and healthcare coverage than any other people on Earth and yet we have steadily declining life expectancies, unconscionable health inequities, and poor health outcomes for these exorbitantly high costs and prices. All Americans deserve affordable, accessible, equitable health care coverage, irrespective of their race, gender, income, religion, or sexual orientation.
Drug/Alcohol Addiction Services: The plight of drug and alcohol abuse is ravaging many communities across the state, and we must enact safeguards for those affected by this public health crisis. Delaware Democrats believe in continuing and expanding efforts in Delaware to tackle these problems, including applying aggressive preventative education and early intervention measures, as well as expansion of addiction treatment programming and resources. We recognize that addiction is a mental health and a behavioral health issue — and does not need to be a criminal matter. We support legislation that allows individuals to get access to the help they need, rather than entering the criminal justice system.
Mental Health Care: Delaware Democrats recognize that good mental health is critical to all people, including the homeless, and therefore we must treat mental health issues with the same care and seriousness that we treat physical health issues and work to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health care. It is also imperative that we expand community-based treatment for mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders and create awareness about suicide prevention.
Reproductive Rights: We support a woman’s right to make healthcare decisions for herself and in consultation with her healthcare provider, including decisions concerning contraception and abortion. Delaware Democrats also support the right of all women to access appropriate healthcare. We oppose efforts to limit access to healthcare services and to defund reproductive and women’s health care providers, and recognize that affordable birth control should be expanded, especially in more rural areas of the state. The ACA prohibition on gender-based discrimination by health insurers must be preserved.