DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Board

Statutory Authority: 3 Delaware Code, Chapter 101 (3 Del.C. Ch. 101)

3 DE Admin. Code 1002

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

1002 Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Board Regulations

Summary

The Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Benefit Board proposes to amend its Regulations adopted in accordance with Title 3, Chapter 101. The purpose of the proposed regulations is to amend the rules regarding eligibility for health coverage. The recommended change to 2.1.1 reduced the minimum number of mounts for active jockeys to seventy-five. The recommended change to 2.1.2.2 aligns the eligibility criteria for retired jockeys with the eligibility criteria for active jockeys during the relevant lookback period. Other regulations issued by the Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Benefit Board are not affected by this proposal. The Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Benefit Board is issuing these proposed regulations in accordance with Title 3 of the Delaware Code. This notice is issued pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 101 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code.

Comments

A copy of the proposed regulations is being published in the August 1, 2024 edition of the Delaware Register of Regulations. A copy is also on file in the office of the Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Benefit Board, 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, Delaware 19804 and is available for inspection during regular office hours. Copies are also published online at the Register of Regulations website: https://regulations.delaware.gov/register/current_issue.shtml.

Interested parties may offer written comments on the proposed regulations or submit written suggestions, data, briefs or other materials to the Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Benefit Board at the above address as to whether these proposed regulations should be adopted, rejected or modified. Pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 10118(a), public comments must be received on or before September 3, 2024. Written materials submitted will be available for inspection at the above address.

1002 Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Board Regulations

1.0 Introduction

1.1 These regulations are authorized pursuant to 3 Del.C. §10171 and 29 Del.C. §4815(b)(4)c. which established a Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Board (hereinafter “the Board”) and Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Fund (hereinafter “the Fund”).

1.2 The Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Board shall consist of 1 member of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, 1 member from the licensed agent under Chapter 1010 of Title 3 or Chapter 4 of Title 28, 1 member of the Delaware Horsemen’s Association, 1 representative from the organization that represents the majority of the jockeys who are licensed and ride regularly in Delaware, and 2 jockeys who are licensed and ride regularly in Delaware. The Chairman of the Thoroughbred Racing Commission shall serve as an ex officio member, and vote on matters in the event of a tie vote on any issue. All members shall be appointed by the Thoroughbred Racing Commission, and shall serve a two year term.

1.3 The Board shall elect a Chairperson from among the appointed members of the Board. The Chairperson shall serve a two year term and may serve consecutive terms. The Chairperson shall be the presiding officer at all meetings of the Board.

1.4 The Board shall administer the Fund pursuant to these regulations and other reasonable criteria for benefit eligibility.

1.5 A special fund of the State has been established and will be known as the “Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Fund.” The Fund shall consist of the proceeds transferred from the licensed video lottery agent and the purse account pursuant to 29 Del.C. §4815(b)(4)c. The proceeds transferred to the Fund will be maintained in an account established in the Department of Agriculture.

1.6 The Fund will be invested by the State Treasurer consistent with the investment policies established by the Cash Management Policy Board. All income earned by the Fund will be reinvested in the Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefit Fund.

1.7 The Board shall use the Fund to provide for jockeys who regularly ride in Delaware, health benefits for active, disabled and retired jockeys. The Board may also expend usual and customary expenses for administrative purposes from the Fund.

1.8 The Thoroughbred Racing Commission’s Administrator of Racing will provide administrative support to the Board and keep minutes of all the meetings of the Board and preserve all records of the Board. The Board’s Office will be considered as part of the Office of the Thoroughbred Racing Commission.

1.9 The Board can propose to amend these regulations by an affirmative vote of the majority of the Board.

20 DE Reg. 890 (05/01/17)

2.0 Eligibility Criteria for Health Coverage

2.1 The Board will pay from the Fund for health coverage for active jockeys who regularly ride in Delaware, eligible retired jockeys, and disabled Delaware jockeys.

2.1.1 An Active Delaware Jockey, who regularly rides in Delaware, is eligible for health insurance coverage under the fund, if the jockey had one hundred (100) 75 mounts in a Delaware Park season at Delaware Park; and Park.

2.1.1.1 An Active Delaware Jockey who did not ride the qualifying number of mounts during a Delaware Park season due to circumstances beyond the control of the jockey may petition the Delaware Jockey's Health and Welfare Benefit Board for eligibility. The Delaware Jockey's Health and Welfare Benefit Board shall review the petition, and if in the discretion of the Board the circumstances warrant, may grant eligibility.

2.1.2 A Retired Delaware Jockey is eligible for health insurance coverage under the Fund if:

2.1.2.1 The Jockey was receiving health insurance coverage as a retired jockey provided by the Delaware Jockey’s Health and Welfare Benefit Board health insurance plan on December 31, 2016; or

2.1.2.2 The Jockey rode a minimum of 100 mounts met the minimum mount requirements at Delaware Park during the regular Delaware Park season for at least ten years.

2.1.2.3 The Jockey is not licensed as a jockey in any racing jurisdiction.

2.1.3 A disabled Delaware Jockey’s spouse and dependents qualify for health benefits if the disabled jockey meets all of the following requirements:

2.1.3.1 The jockey was an active participant in the Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Fund benefit program at the time of the on-track accident that resulted in total and permanent disability; and

2.1.3.2 Be deemed permanently disabled by Social Security and qualify for Medicare as a result of an injury sustained during the regular Delaware Park season on the premises of Delaware Park, and arising in the course of his/her participation as a licensed jockey.

2.2 An active jockey, a retired jockey or an eligible disabled jockey’s family will be entitled to health coverage for one year beginning on the first day of the calendar year following the year the eligibility requirements have been met.

2.3 The Board will pay from the Fund for health coverage for the dependents of active jockeys who regularly ride in Delaware, eligible retired jockeys, and disabled Delaware jockeys.

2.3.1 Eligibility for coverage for dependents will be determined by the company providing the insurance coverage.

2.4 The Fund shall provide benefits secondary to Medicare or Medicaid for any member or an enrolled dependent of a member, who is eligible for Medicare or Medicaid health benefits.

9 DE Reg. 1749 (05/01/06)

13 DE Reg. 1536 (06/01/10)

15 DE Reg. 60 (07/01/11)

15 DE Reg. 1585 (05/01/12)

19 DE Reg. 33 (07/01/15)

20 DE Reg. 890 (05/01/17)

28 DE Reg. 82 (08/01/24) (Prop.)