Why Should Delaware Care?
Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services is responsible for managing the state’s Medicaid and Medicare benefits, coordinates responses to the opioid crisis and oversees public health. The department received $1.7 billion from the Delaware general fund in its most recent budget approval, making it one of the most well-funded agencies in the state.
Christen Linke Young, a former Biden and Obama Administration official, was confirmed by the Delaware Senate on Tuesday to serve as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services.
Young previously worked in North Carolina as a deputy secretary for the state’s health department, and more recently worked as a fellow at the Brookings Institution, a public policy think tank based out of Washington, D.C.
During her confirmation hearing, Young stressed the importance of maintaining access to federal subsidies like Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP, as well as making Delaware health care more affordable.
“Our health care and social safety net institutions face tremendous challenges at this time,” Young said. “I have been so energized by the conversations that I’ve had with all of you and your colleagues and leaders across the state about how we can work together to meet the moment and deliver the best possible results for the people of Delaware.”
As part of maintaining access to federal subsidies, Medicaid specifically, Young said she would work to reduce some of the pending administrative burden coming with new eligibility requirements put in place by the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Young also fielded questions from senators about health care workforce shortages in the state, and how she would hope to draw in more health professionals. As part of that, senators asked about her support of a potential medical school in the state, which she said she would hope to work on with legislators.
She also said she hopes to look at how other states are experimenting with ways to hold hospitals accountable to improving health care outcomes, so patients don’t need to seek care as frequently. This not only would bring down state spending on health care, but also put more money back into families pockets, Young said.
In a brief interview with Spotlight Delaware following the hearing, Young said she pursued the secretary position because she was excited to help make Delaware’s health systems more efficient.
When asked how she would address affordability, Young said she wants to take more time to understand Delaware’s health systems and have conversations with the legislature.
She declined to comment on potential impacts of the recently announced changes to the state’s hospital cost regulatory board, saying it is an area she would like to “dig in and learn more about.”
According to a press release announcing her nomination, Young served as an adviser and director during the Biden administration, where she led “efforts to achieve the lowest uninsured rate in U.S. history.”
She also served in the Obama administration, holding senior roles in the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Her tenure begins following the departure of the former secretary, Josette Manning, who recently started a position in Sen. Chris Coons’ office.
Young would be responsible for managing the state health department’s multiple divisions, encompassing programs like Medicaid and Medicare, health care quality, substance abuse, and public health, among others.
The Department of Health and Social Services received $1.7 billion from state lawmakers this year, making it one of Delaware’s most well-funded agencies. Nearly 60% of that money – around $1 billion – was earmarked for Medicaid spending.
