Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Rachel

Delaware Healthcare Assistance for Single Mothers: Medicaid, CHIP & More [2025]

Last updated: September 2025

This is a no‑fluff, action‑first guide for single moms in Delaware who need health coverage or care today. Every program below links to official sources, includes current 2025 dollar amounts, and gives you backup plans if the first option doesn’t work.

Quick Help Box

• Apply for Medicaid/CHIP now: Use Delaware’s ASSIST portal. It’s the fastest way to check eligibility and apply. Apply on Delaware ASSIST (official state portal).
• Talk to a real person: DMMA Customer Relations: 866‑843‑7212. Health Benefits Manager for choosing/changing Medicaid plans: 800‑996‑9969.
• Marketplace plan help (if you don’t qualify for Medicaid): Westside Family Healthcare Navigators: 302‑472‑8655 (New Castle) / 302‑678‑2205 (Kent/Sussex). Quality Insights Navigators (statewide): 844‑238‑1189.
• Mental health or substance use crisis: Call 988 (24/7). Mobile Crisis: 800‑652‑2929 (North) / 800‑345‑6785 (South).
• Rides to covered medical visits (Medicaid/CHIP): Modivcare: 866‑412‑3778. “Where’s My Ride” line: 866‑896‑7211. Schedule at least 3 business days ahead.
• WIC for moms, babies, and kids under 5: Delaware WIC: 302‑741‑2900 or 800‑222‑2189.
• Postpartum support (Medicaid): Free diapers and meals for 12 weeks after birth for eligible members under Delaware’s 1115 Waiver.

---

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

---

2025 income limits at a glance (based on 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines)

• These dollar amounts are calculated from the official 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines (48 states + DC). We show both annual and monthly totals so you can compare to your pay stubs.

Notes:

• Percentages reflect Delaware’s policy levels (Medicaid expansion to 138% FPL; pregnant people typically up to 217% FPL; DHCP up to 212% FPL). Amounts here are computed from HHS’s 2025 guidelines. Always count the baby for pregnant household size.

---

Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan): how to get covered fast

Most important action first:

• Apply online right now. It’s the quickest route. File your Medicaid application on Delaware ASSIST. If you can’t finish in one sitting, save and return.

What Delaware Medicaid covers:

• Doctor visits, hospital care, labs, prescriptions, vaccines, mental health/substance use services, and rides to medical visits. There’s no asset test for MAGI groups. Most members choose a managed care plan (MCO) after approval.

Eligibility basics in 2025 (MAGI rules):

• Adults 19–64: up to 138% FPL (see table above). Pregnant individuals: up to 217% FPL with 12 months postpartum coverage. Kids: Medicaid/CHIP based on age and income.

Timeline expectations:

• States must decide most Medicaid applications within 45 days (or 90 days if disability is involved). If they need more documents from you, it can take longer, but they must document any delays.

How to apply

• Online: ASSIST application.
• Phone help: DMMA Customer Relations 866‑843‑7212 (Mon–Fri business hours).
• Check your mail/texts: After you submit, watch for letters (or ASSIST inbox) asking for proof. Respond quickly so your case isn’t delayed.

Required documents (upload or mail copies)

• ID and Delaware address.
• Social Security numbers (if available) for applicants.
• Proof of income (last 30 days of pay stubs, self‑employment records, unemployment letter).
• Immigration status for non‑citizens applying.
• If pregnant: a note from your provider confirming pregnancy and due date helps (many approvals happen without it, but it speeds things up). See ASSIST prompts during upload.

Choosing a managed care plan (MCO)

• After approval you’ll pick an MCO. Delaware contracts with three plans:
• AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware — Member Services 844‑211‑0966.
• Highmark Health Options — Member Services 844‑325‑6251.
• Delaware First Health (Centene) — Member Services 877‑236‑1341.
• Need help choosing? Call the Health Benefits Manager at 800‑996‑9969 (they handle plan selection/changes).

Transportation to appointments (Medicaid/CHIP)

• Call Modivcare at 866‑412‑3778 at least 3 business days before your visit; ride status line 866‑896‑7211. Rides are to covered services only.

Dental coverage for adults on Medicaid

• Adult dental is covered: up to $1,000/year\ast \ast ,plusupto\ast \ast$1,500 more if a dentist documents that emergency/supplemental care is medically necessary. Some services have a $3 copay. Children’s dental is fully covered.

Real‑world example

• A single mom with two kids earning $3,000/month gross is under 138% FPL for a household of three. She can qualify for full Medicaid for herself and the kids. She applies on ASSIST, uploads pay stubs, picks Highmark Health Options, and books Modivcare for her postpartum check. Decision should come within about 45 days, often faster if documents are complete.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Not opening mail from DHSS — time‑sensitive notices can close your case.
• Missing pay stubs or uploading photos that are too dark to read.
• Forgetting to pick an MCO after approval (benefits don’t flow smoothly until you’re enrolled with a plan).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call Customer Relations 866‑843‑7212 for case status.
• If denied, check if your income changed or if they were missing proofs; appeal rights are in your notice.
• If you lose Medicaid, you may qualify for a Marketplace plan with financial help. Navigators: Westside 302‑472‑8655 / 302‑678‑2205 or Quality Insights 844‑238‑1189.

---

Pregnancy & postpartum benefits for Medicaid members

Start here:

• If you’re pregnant, apply for Medicaid now — eligibility goes up to 217% FPL (and includes the unborn in family size). Coverage continues for 12 months after the pregnancy ends, regardless of income changes during that period.

Extra 2025 supports you should use

• 12 weeks of postpartum help: up to 80 diapers/week + 1 pack of wipes/week, and two home‑delivered meals/day (or a shelf‑stable food box) for eligible Diamond State Health Plan members, funded through Delaware’s 1115 Waiver. Ask your MCO case manager if you don’t hear about it.
• Breast pumps and maternity programs: MCOs cover breast pumps; AmeriHealth’s Bright Start offers incentives and support: 833‑669‑7672.
• Postpartum mental health: Call 988 anytime. For in‑person mobile crisis help: 800‑652‑2929 (North) / 800‑345‑6785 (South).
• Rides to prenatal/postpartum visits: Modivcare 866‑412‑3778 (book ≥3 business days ahead).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your pregnancy Medicaid is still pending and you need care now, ask your hospital or clinic about “presumptive eligibility” for prenatal outpatient care, and book with an FQHC for sliding‑fee services. Call Delaware 211 (800‑560‑3372) for clinics.

---

Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP), called “DHCP”

Most important action first:

• Apply for your kids online through ASSIST or call the program for help. How to apply for DHCP. General line for questions: 866‑843‑7212.

What it covers

• Routine checkups, hospital care, prescriptions, behavioral health, dental, vision, and more. No copays; a low monthly family premium may apply.

Income limits and 2025 premiums

• Children under 19 qualify up to 212% FPL. Premiums are $15\ast \ast or\ast \ast$25 per family per month depending on income (one payment covers all enrolled kids; pay 3 months at once and get the 4th free).

2025 DHCP income guide (we computed from 2025 FPL)

Source math: Based on 2025 HHS FPL with 212% applied; see HHS poverty table.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your child is just over income for Medicaid, ask about DHCP; if just over DHCP limits, compare Marketplace child‑only plans (navigators can help price these). Assistance: Westside 302‑472‑8655 / 302‑678‑2205; Quality Insights 844‑238‑1189.

---

Marketplace coverage (HealthCare.gov) when Medicaid/CHIP isn’t an option

Most important action first:

• If you’re ineligible for Medicaid/CHIP, you can enroll in a plan on HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment or after a life event (birth, loss of Medicaid, move, etc.). For free help, book with Navigators: Westside 302‑472‑8655 / 302‑678‑2205 or Quality Insights 844‑238‑1189.

What to know for 2025 in Delaware

• Four insurers offered Marketplace plans for 2025: Highmark, Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas VIP Next, and Celtic (Ambetter Health of Delaware). Approved average rate changes for 2025 were: Highmark +9.0%, Aetna +11.7%, AmeriHealth +6.05%, Celtic (Ambetter) –14%. Plans are sold via HealthCare.gov.

Open Enrollment timing

• For 2025 coverage, OE ran Nov 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025. If you missed it, you may still enroll with a qualifying life event (for example, birth, move, or loss of Medicaid/CHIP).

Plan shopping tip

• Delaware runs a reinsurance program that helps lower gross premiums; always check your net premium after tax credits. If you’re overwhelmed, call a Navigator and bring last year’s tax return or recent pay stubs.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your estimated income drops mid‑year, you might now qualify for Medicaid — re‑check eligibility in ASSIST. If not, ask Navigators to screen you for cost‑sharing reductions (CSR) on silver plans and to verify network pediatric/OB providers before you enroll.

---

Your Medicaid managed care options (contact list)

---

Dental care: what’s covered for moms and kids

• Adults (21+) on Medicaid: $1,000/year\ast \ast incovereddentalservices,plusupto\ast \ast$1,500 extra for emergency/medically necessary care, and a $3 copay for adult services. Contact your MCO for dentists in network. Children’s dental care is covered under Medicaid/CHIP.
• CHIP (DHCP) includes comprehensive dental (exams, cleanings, fluoride, fillings, specialty services; orthodontics when medically necessary).

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Can’t find a dentist taking your plan? Call your MCO member line for help scheduling. If you’re uninsured, contact an FQHC for sliding‑fee dental, or dial 211 to locate low‑cost clinics near you.

---

Cancer screening and treatment support

• Free screening if you’re uninsured/under‑insured: Delaware’s Screening for Life pays for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate screening if you meet age/income rules. Enrollment help: 302‑744‑1040.
• Treatment if you’re uninsured: Delaware Cancer Treatment Program can cover up to 2 years of cancer treatment if you meet the rules (Delaware resident, diagnosed on/after July 1, 2004, income up to 650% FPL, uninsured or unaffordable OOP costs). Apply at 844‑245‑9580.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your hospital’s financial assistance office; for ChristianaCare, call 302‑623‑7440 and ask about charity care.

---

Mental health, substance use, and postpartum mood support

• 24/7 help: 988 by call, text, or chat.
• Mobile Crisis Intervention (adult): 800‑652‑2929 (New Castle & Northern Kent), 800‑345‑6785 (Central/Southern Kent & Sussex).
• Transportation to treatment (Medicaid/CHIP): Modivcare 866‑412‑3778 (book ≥3 business days ahead).

Real‑world example

• You’re 8 weeks postpartum, feeling overwhelmed, and missing OB visits because you don’t have a car. Call 988 for immediate emotional support. Then book your next OB visit and call Modivcare 866‑412‑3778 for a ride. Ask your MCO case manager about Delaware’s diaper/meal supports in those first 12 weeks postpartum.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If phone lines are busy, go to the nearest ER or call 911. For ongoing therapy covered by Medicaid, ask your MCO for an in‑network therapist and, if needed, telehealth options.

---

Getting to your visits: Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

• Who qualifies: All fully eligible Medicaid and Delaware Healthy Children Program members.
• How it works: Call Modivcare 866‑412‑3778 at least 3 business days before your appointment; they verify your eligibility and the covered service. Ride status: 866‑896‑7211.
• Emergencies: Call 911.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If a ride is late or missing, call the “Where’s My Ride” line 866‑896‑7211. If you keep having issues, report it to your MCO and to DMMA Customer Relations 866‑843‑7212.

---

Local organizations and clinics (free help & low‑cost care)

• Marketplace enrollment & primary care: Westside Family Healthcare — Navigators 302‑472‑8655 / 302‑678‑2205; main appointments 302‑224‑6800. Multiple locations statewide.
• Planned Parenthood of Delaware — four centers (Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Seaford). Appointments: 800‑230‑7526. Title X visits can be low‑cost or free based on income.
• Nemours Children’s Health — pediatric primary care statewide; Wilmington clinic 302‑651‑5245; see full list for local sites (e.g., Milford 302‑422‑4559, Jessup St. 302‑576‑5050).
• Find more FQHCs near you: use Delaware’s 211 (dial 211 or 800‑560‑3372) for local clinics accepting Medicaid/sliding fees.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you cannot get an appointment soon, ask for “same‑day sick visits” or telehealth. For after‑hours advice for kids, many pediatric practices have nurse lines (Nemours numbers above).

---

Common mistakes to avoid when you apply

• Uploading unreadable documents — retake photos in good light, crop to show full page.
• Missing a follow‑up: Watch your mail, ASSIST inbox, and texts for requests.
• Not reporting changes (new baby, new address, income shifts). Report quickly in ASSIST to prevent loss of coverage.
• Forgetting to pick or change your Medicaid MCO when your providers aren’t in network. Call 800‑996‑9969 to switch if needed.

---

Application checklist (print or save)

• Government‑issued photo ID and proof of Delaware residence (license, lease, or utility bill).
• Social Security numbers (if available) for each person applying.
• Income proofs for the past 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment letter, self‑employment records).
• Immigration documents for non‑citizens applying.
• If pregnant: doctor’s note can help (pregnancy and due date).
• If applying for DHCP (CHIP): kids’ birthdates and prior insurance info; see DHCP application instructions.

Quick tip: Scan or photograph every document before submitting so you can resend if something gets lost.

---

Plan‑B options if you’re denied, over income, or between jobs

• Re‑check your application if your hours/income changed — thresholds are based on gross income and household size. The unborn counts for pregnant households.
• If you’ve lost Medicaid, ask Navigators about a Special Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov and whether you qualify for premium tax credits and cost‑sharing reductions.
• Uninsured and need care now? Book at an FQHC on a sliding fee (call 211). For hospital care, ask about charity care — e.g., ChristianaCare Financial Assistance 302‑623‑7440.

---

Support for diverse communities

• LGBTQ+ single mothers
  Planned Parenthood of Delaware provides inclusive reproductive and primary care; appointment line 800‑230‑7526. Crisis support: 988, press 3 for LGBTQ+ services.
• Single mothers with disabilities or raising a child with special health care needs
  Many pediatric practices (e.g., Nemours) coordinate care and offer social work/behavioral health on‑site; ask your child’s practice for care coordination. Transportation to covered appointments is available via Modivcare for Medicaid/CHIP.
• Veteran single mothers
  Use your local hospital financial assistance (e.g., ChristianaCare 302‑623‑7440) and call 211 for VA navigator referrals if you’re not established with VA health yet.
• Immigrant and refugee single moms
  You can apply for eligible programs on ASSIST. Language assistance is available through state hotlines (TTY and interpreter support via DMMA at 866‑843‑7212). WIC does not require U.S. citizenship.
• Tribal citizens and Native families in Delaware
  If eligible for Marketplace coverage, ask Navigators about American Indian/Alaska Native cost‑sharing protections on HealthCare.gov; and check local FQHCs for primary care if between coverage. (Confirm details with Navigators listed above.)
• Rural moms with limited transportation
  Book telehealth when possible; for in‑person visits, schedule NEMT rides at 866‑412‑3778 3+ business days ahead.
• Single fathers and other caregivers
  Most programs are household‑based and open to fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers under the same income rules shown above. Check eligibility and apply on ASSIST.
• Language access
  DMMA Customer Relations 866‑843‑7212 can connect you with interpreters for Medicaid. Marketplace Navigators have language lines for 60+ languages.

---

Timelines you can expect (so you can plan childcare and work)

• Medicaid decisions: generally within 45 days (90 if disability is being evaluated), unless the state requests more information or there’s an emergency beyond the agency’s control.
• MCO ID card arrival: typically within 10–14 days after plan selection (varies by plan; call your MCO if you need your ID number sooner).
• NEMT ride scheduling: call 3+ business days before your appointment; same‑day rides are for urgent issues only.
• Marketplace enrollment: Open Enrollment runs each year (Nov–Jan). Outside OE, you’ll need a qualifying life event (loss of Medicaid, birth, move, etc.).

---

Tables you can use while you apply

Table 1 — 2025 Medicaid adult (19–64) income limits (138% FPL)

Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines; 138% calculation.

Table 2 — 2025 Medicaid during pregnancy (217% FPL) examples

Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines; 217% calculation.

Table 3 — DHCP (CHIP) quick costs

Source: Delaware Healthy Children Program official flyer.

Table 4 — Medicaid MCO contacts

Sources: DMMA MCO procurement page, MCO websites.

Table 5 — 2025 Delaware Marketplace carriers and approved average rate changes

Sources: Delaware Department of Insurance rate filings for 2025.

---

10 Delaware‑specific FAQs (quick answers)

• How do I check if I’m likely eligible before I apply?
  Use the screening tool in ASSIST and then submit the full application when ready.
• I lost Medicaid this year — what now?
  You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov. Call Navigators at Westside 302‑472‑8655 / 302‑678‑2205 or Quality Insights 844‑238‑1189 for free help.
• Are postpartum benefits really 12 months?
  Yes. Delaware extended coverage to a full year postpartum, effective retroactive to July 2022.
• Is there help with diapers or meals after birth?
  Yes. For eligible Medicaid members, Delaware’s Diamond State Health Plan covers up to 80 diapers/week + wipes for 12 weeks postpartum and two meals/day or a food box. Ask your MCO.
• How long does Medicaid take to decide?
  Generally within 45 days (90 if disability). If they ask for more info, respond fast to avoid delays.
• Do adults on Medicaid get dental?
  Yes. Up to $1,000/year\ast \ast ,plus\ast \ast$1,500 extra for emergency/supplemental care when medically necessary; $3 copay per adult dental visit typically applies.
• How much does CHIP (DHCP) cost?
  Either $15\ast \ast or\ast \ast$25 per family per month depending on income. No copays.
• I need a ride to my child’s appointment.
  For Medicaid/CHIP: Modivcare 866‑412‑3778 (schedule ≥3 business days ahead); status 866‑896‑7211.
• I’m uninsured and just got a cancer diagnosis.
  Apply to the Delaware Cancer Treatment Program (844‑245‑9580) for up to 2 years of treatment if eligible.
• Where can I get in‑person enrollment help?
  Westside Family Healthcare Navigators (302‑472‑8655 / 302‑678‑2205) and Quality Insights (844‑238‑1189).

---

What the top search results miss — and how this guide fixes it

We reviewed the top results for “Delaware Healthcare Assistance for Single Mothers.” Many are national roundups or general “benefits for single moms” pages. Common gaps we fixed here:

• Missing 2025 dollar amounts (we included exact 2025 FPL‑based limits and the current premium figures and rate filings).
• Few direct phone numbers (we added the actual lines for DMMA, Navigators, MCOs, Modivcare, WIC, Screening for Life, and Cancer Treatment Program).
• Little on postpartum diapers/meals (we cited the Delaware Medicaid waiver with specifics).
• No timelines or backup plans (we gave expected processing times from federal regs and Plan‑B options with real contacts).

---

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance and Division of Public Health), the Delaware Department of Insurance, HHS/ASPE, CMS/Medicaid.gov, and established nonprofits. It follows our research and verification standards in our Editorial Policy. See details: ASingleMother Editorial Standards (research methods, update cycles, and accuracy commitments). This standards page notes we verify eligibility from official materials, link to calculators instead of guessing amounts, track policy changes, and correct errors promptly. Last updated August 2025.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026. If you spot an error, email info@asinglemother.org and we will investigate and update quickly.

---

Disclaimer

• Program rules and dollar amounts change. Always confirm details with the relevant agency or on official state sites before you make decisions.
• This guide is for general information, not legal or medical advice. We do not guarantee individual eligibility outcomes.
• We link only to official government pages or established nonprofits to keep readers safe from scams and to protect your privacy and device security.
• If a link is broken or a phone number has changed, please tell us at info@asinglemother.org so we can fix it within 48–72 hours per our policy.

---

Sources (selected)

• Delaware ASSIST (apply for Medicaid/CHIP and more).
• DMMA Customer Relations and Health Benefits Manager contacts.
• DMMA Medicaid overview; managed care (Diamond State Health Plan).
• Postpartum coverage extended to 12 months.
• Postpartum diapers/meals program under 1115 Waiver.
• NEMT (Modivcare) program rules and phones.
• AmeriHealth page listing ride lines.
• Adult dental benefit details; regulation.
• DHCP (CHIP) benefits, premiums, and flyer.
• 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines (ASPE). Calculations in tables are derived from this official data.
• 42 CFR §435.912 — Medicaid timeliness standards (45/90 days).
• Marketplace Open Enrollment timing (DE news); Navigators (Westside, Quality Insights).
• 2025 Marketplace rate filings (DE DOI) — Highmark, Aetna, AmeriHealth, Celtic.
• Screening for Life and Delaware Cancer Treatment Program.
• WIC contacts (USDA).

If you need help right now deciding your best path, reply with your county, household size, and monthly income before taxes. I can give you a personalized “which to apply for first” plan and a short to‑do list.

🏛️More Delaware Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Delaware

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery