DE SB238

Changes hospital reimbursement rate from 85% to 80% of current actual charges as of date of service for inpatient services, outpatient surgical services, and emergency services.

Establishes new annual rate adjustment process beginning October 31, 2012, requiring hospitals to submit blended rate change reports through the Delaware Healthcare Association, with adjustments capped at the Consumer Price Index-Urban Medical Care index.

Changes Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center (ASTC) terminology to Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and implements individual ASC rate change verification process rather than collective approach, with rates adjusted by January 31 each year based on CPI-U Medical comparison.

Requires independent financial auditor verification of hospital and ASC rate changes, with costs reimbursed by the Delaware Healthcare Association or respective ASCs, and maintains proprietary information confidentiality.

Mandates the Health Care Advisory Panel review overall rate change methodology every three years beginning February 1, 2015, and report to the Secretary of Labor with recommendations regarding adequacy of reimbursement methods.