Delaware Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Delaware

Delaware uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace and expanded Medicaid in 2014. Delaware has a small population and marketplace, with limited insurer competition. The state has worked to improve marketplace function and has strong consumer assistance programs through Consumers' CHECKBOOK and the Delaware Insurance Commissioner's office.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Delaware

Marketplace Enrollment in Delaware

Delaware residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in Delaware

Medicaid in Delaware

Delaware Medicaid covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Delaware has expanded coverage and maintained strong enrollment support programs.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Delaware

Delaware Healthy Children Program covers children in families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Delaware Unique

Delaware's small size means the state marketplace has historically had limited insurer competition — in some years, only one or two carriers offered plans on the exchange. This has been a challenge for consumer choice, though the state has worked to attract additional carriers to improve competition.

ACA Subsidies: What Delaware Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Delaware’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Delaware residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. Full-price premiums rose about 27.7% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 3 insurers sold plans for 2026; Ambetter (Celtic) is leaving for 2027, so its enrollees need to choose a new plan. Proposed 2027 changes average about 16.9% before subsidies.

About 45,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 80% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $320 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Delaware

Delaware’s enrollment fell about 18% for 2026 after the enhanced credits expired. Its reinsurance program lowers full-price premiums for everyone, and state law caps insulin cost-sharing at $35 a month and specialty drug cost-sharing at $150 a month on state-regulated plans. With Ambetter leaving for 2027, only two insurers remain — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware and AmeriHealth Caritas.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Delaware

Delaware residents should compare all available plans on HealthCare.gov carefully — limited insurer competition means fewer plan options. ACA subsidies are available for incomes 100-400% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid provides coverage for low-income residents. Delaware's consumer assistance programs can help with plan selection.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Delaware marketplace for 2027?

Ambetter (Celtic) is leaving for 2027. Enrollees with that insurer should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

When is open enrollment in Delaware for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

How much do Delaware marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 80% of Delaware enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $320 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.