Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Delaware and need health coverage, start with Delaware ASSIST. That one state portal can screen you and your children for Medicaid and Delaware Healthy Children Program coverage. If you do not qualify, use HealthCare.gov dates to check if you can enroll now because of a life change, such as losing coverage, having a baby, moving, or a change in household income.
This guide is for health coverage and care access. It is not medical advice. For symptoms, treatment decisions, pregnancy concerns, mental health care, or a medical emergency, contact a licensed health provider, clinic, crisis line, or emergency service.
Urgent help in Delaware
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait for a benefits application if you or your child may be in danger.
- Mental health crisis: call or text 988. Delaware also lists crisis intervention numbers on its Delaware 988 page.
- Need an in-person crisis response: Northern Delaware can call 1-800-652-2929. Southern Delaware can call 1-800-345-6785. For a child in a behavioral health crisis, call 1-800-969-HELP.
- Not sure where to go: call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or use Delaware 211 for health, food, housing, transportation, and local nonprofit referrals.
- Pregnant and without care: call a clinic, hospital, or 211 and ask about prenatal care, Medicaid screening, WIC, and local pregnancy support.
Where to start
If your income is low
Apply through Delaware ASSIST for Medicaid. Do this even if you are not sure. Delaware uses household size, income, age, pregnancy status, disability status, and other rules.
If your child needs coverage
Apply through ASSIST. The state will check Medicaid first, then child coverage through the DCHIP page if Medicaid does not fit.
If you lost Medicaid
Read the notice. You may be able to fix missing proof, appeal, or enroll in Marketplace coverage during a special enrollment period.
If you are uninsured now
Call 211 and ask about clinics, the Health Care Connection, sliding-fee care, and help applying for coverage.
Quick reference
| Need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Health coverage for mom | Apply through ASSIST and check Medicaid first. | Final eligibility depends on counted income and household rules. |
| Health coverage for children | Use ASSIST so the state can screen Medicaid and CHIP. | Child rules differ by age and income. |
| Pregnancy care | Apply right away and ask about prenatal care while pending. | Pregnancy can change household size and coverage rules. |
| No insurance, need a doctor | Call 211 and ask about HCC and clinics. | Sliding fees and appointment times vary by clinic. |
| Mental health crisis | Call or text 988, or call Delaware crisis intervention. | Use 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. |
Delaware Medicaid
Delaware Medicaid is run by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. Most people who get Medicaid in Delaware receive care through the Diamond State Health Plan managed care system. You can read the state overview on the DMMA Medicaid page.
Medicaid may help with doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, pregnancy care, behavioral health care, preventive care, lab work, and other covered services. Some people also get transportation to covered appointments.
Apply online through Delaware ASSIST, or call the state if you need help. DMMA lists phone and office information on its DMMA contact page. If you already have Medicaid and need to choose or change a plan, the state’s Health Benefits Manager can help.
Income screen for common Medicaid groups
The table below uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines as a rough screen for common Medicaid groups. It is not a promise of approval. Delaware may apply income disregards and program-specific rules. ASSIST or DSS must make the final decision.
| Household size | 138% FPL monthly | 217% FPL monthly | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $2,886 | Adult Medicaid screening often uses the lower number. |
| 2 | $2,489 | $3,913 | Pregnancy may count the unborn baby. |
| 3 | $3,142 | $4,940 | Many single-parent homes fall here. |
| 4 | $3,795 | $5,968 | Use gross monthly income before taxes unless told otherwise. |
| 5 | $4,448 | $6,994 | Limits rise with household size. |
The base numbers come from the federal 2026 poverty guidelines. If your income changes from week to week, do not guess. Apply and upload proof of your current income.
Children’s coverage and Delaware Healthy Children Program
Children may qualify for Medicaid at different income levels depending on age. If a child does not qualify for Medicaid, Delaware may screen the child for the Delaware Healthy Children Program, also called DCHIP or DHCP.
Do not try to choose the program yourself. Apply through ASSIST and let the state screen the child. Public pages may not all be updated at the same time. Rely on your DSS notice, ASSIST account, or the program office for current payment rules before you make decisions.
Child coverage can include regular checkups, shots, sick visits, prescriptions, hospital care, mental health care, dental care, vision care, and other covered services. If your child already has a doctor, ask if that doctor accepts the plan before you choose a managed care plan.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and baby care
If you are pregnant, apply for Medicaid as soon as you can. Pregnancy can affect household size, income screening, and coverage. Delaware has also extended postpartum coverage for eligible Medicaid and DHCP members to 12 months after the pregnancy ends. A 2025 state notice says the 12-month postpartum policy applies if the person received Medicaid or DHCP benefits at any time during pregnancy.
For care support beyond insurance, Delaware’s Healthy Women, Healthy Babies program connects eligible Delaware residents with services before, during, and after pregnancy. Services can include wellness support, nutrition, family planning, mental health, and prenatal care.
WIC is also a strong starting point for pregnant women, postpartum mothers, breastfeeding mothers, babies, and children under age 5. Delaware says the WIC program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.
Practical tip
When you call a clinic or WIC office, say you are pregnant or postpartum before you describe the rest of your problem. That helps the worker route you to the right program faster.
Marketplace plans when Medicaid is not the answer
If Medicaid or CHIP does not fit, you may be able to buy a private health plan through HealthCare.gov. Marketplace plans are usually for people who do not have Medicaid, Medicare, or affordable job-based coverage.
For 2026, open enrollment on HealthCare.gov ran from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026 for states using HealthCare.gov. Between January 16 and October 31, 2026, you usually need a special enrollment period, such as losing coverage, having a baby, moving, getting married, or another qualifying life event.
The Delaware Department of Insurance warned consumers to use official navigators or verified brokers and to watch for deceptive sales activity. Its Delaware marketplace update points people to HealthCare.gov and in-person help. You can also preview current plans through the Marketplace plan preview.
For free enrollment help in Delaware, Westside Family Healthcare says its certified enrollment staff can help with Marketplace plans, tax credits, Medicaid applications, and renewals. Start with Westside enrollment help if you want a person to walk through the options with you.
Clinics and care when you are uninsured
If you need care before your coverage is approved, call 211 and ask for clinics that use sliding fees. Also ask about Delaware’s Health Care Connection. The state says Health Care Connection helps uninsured Delaware residents connect with primary care, specialists, prescription programs, lab and radiology services, and a medical home when they meet program rules.
You can also search for community health centers through the federal HRSA clinic finder. Community health centers usually accept Medicaid and may offer sliding-fee care for uninsured patients. Call before you go, because each site sets its own appointment process and document list.
For cancer screening, Delaware’s Screening for Life program can help qualified Delaware adults with cancer screening tests. If you already have a diagnosis or symptoms, ask a doctor, hospital, or program worker which path fits your case.
Dental care and rides to appointments
Children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP should have dental coverage as part of child health benefits. Adults enrolled in Delaware Medicaid may also have dental benefits. Delaware says the adult dental benefit can cover up to $1,000 per year, with up to $1,500 more for qualifying emergency or supplemental care when medically necessary.
If you cannot find a dentist, call your managed care plan first. Ask for dentists taking new patients, emergency dental options, and help scheduling. If you are uninsured, ask 211 or a clinic about sliding-fee dental care.
Transportation can also block care. Delaware says Medicaid covers emergency and non-emergency transportation with limits, and that non-emergency rides should be arranged at least three days before a scheduled appointment. Use the state medical transportation page for the official rules. Modivcare is the broker for non-emergency Medicaid rides.
Choosing a Medicaid managed care plan
Delaware contracts with managed care plans for most Medicaid members. The state’s managed care page explains plan choice and switching. You can ask the Health Benefits Manager which plans are available to you and how to choose.
| Plan step | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before choosing | Is my child’s doctor in network? | A familiar doctor can prevent care gaps. |
| Pregnancy care | Which OB, midwife, or hospital is covered? | Network rules can affect where you deliver. |
| Medications | Are my prescriptions covered? | Plans may use prior authorization or preferred drugs. |
| Behavioral health | How do I find therapy or psychiatry? | Wait times can vary by provider. |
| Rides | How do I book transportation? | Rides often need advance notice. |
Documents and information to gather
You do not need everything perfect before you start, but documents help prevent delays. Keep copies of everything you upload or mail.
| Item | Examples | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver’s license, state ID, passport, birth certificate | Use clear photos if uploading. |
| Delaware address | Lease, mail, utility bill, shelter letter | Ask a worker what to use if you are doubled up. |
| Income | Pay stubs, employer letter, unemployment, self-employment records | Use recent gross income before taxes. |
| Household | Children’s names, birth dates, pregnancy due date | Pregnancy may change household size. |
| Immigration documents | Only for people applying who are not U.S. citizens | Ask for language help if needed. |
| Current coverage | Employer offer, Medicaid notice, insurance card | Needed for Marketplace and renewals. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring letters: Delaware may send time-sensitive notices by mail or through your online account.
- Uploading blurry proof: Retake the photo if the name, date, or pay amount is hard to read.
- Guessing income: Use current pay records. If your hours changed, explain that.
- Missing renewals: Medicaid and CHIP coverage can end if renewal proof is not returned.
- Choosing by plan name only: Check doctors, hospitals, medicines, pregnancy care, dentists, and therapists.
- Using random sales calls: For Marketplace plans, use HealthCare.gov, a verified broker, or a trusted navigator.
If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
First, read the notice. It should say why you were denied, what proof was missing, or how to appeal. If income was counted wrong, if a household member was missing, or if Delaware did not receive your documents, call right away and ask how to fix it.
If you were denied Medicaid because your income is too high, ask whether your children were also checked for CHIP and whether you qualify for a Marketplace special enrollment period. If you lost Medicaid, do not wait until the next open enrollment season to ask.
If your application is pending and you need care now, call 211, clinics, your hospital financial assistance office, and the Health Care Connection. If the problem is a missed ride, a doctor who will not take your plan, or a pharmacy issue, call your managed care plan and ask for member services or care coordination.
Backup options
- For food and nutrition: WIC and SNAP can free up money for other health needs. See ASMOM’s WIC guide and SNAP guide.
- For dental care: Start with Medicaid dental, then clinics, 211, or ASMOM’s dental help guide.
- For mental health: use crisis lines for urgent needs and the ASMOM Delaware mental health page for local starting points.
- For rent or shelter stress: health problems often get worse when housing is unstable. See Delaware housing help and Delaware emergency help.
- For wider help: ASMOM’s Delaware assistance guide, community support, and child care help pages can help you solve related problems.
Phone scripts
Calling Medicaid or DSS
Hello, my name is _____. I applied for Medicaid or child health coverage on _____. I am calling to check my case status and ask if you need any proof from me. Can you tell me the deadline and the best way to send it?
Calling a managed care plan
Hello, I am a Delaware Medicaid member. I need help finding a provider who is taking new patients. I need care for _____. Can you give me three in-network options and tell me if I need a referral?
Calling a navigator
Hello, I need help checking whether I can enroll in a Marketplace plan or Medicaid. I recently had a life change: _____. Can you help me compare my options and avoid plans that do not cover full benefits?
Calling 211 or a clinic
Hello, I am uninsured or waiting for coverage. I need a doctor visit for _____. Can you help me find a sliding-fee clinic, Health Care Connection, WIC, or other local health program near my ZIP code?
Resumen en español
Si necesita seguro médico en Delaware, empiece con Delaware ASSIST para Medicaid y cobertura para niños. Si no califica, revise HealthCare.gov para ver si tiene un período especial de inscripción. Si necesita atención ahora y no tiene seguro, llame al 211 y pregunte por clínicas de bajo costo, Health Care Connection y ayuda local. Para una crisis de salud mental, llame o mande texto al 988. Para una emergencia médica, llame al 911.
FAQs about Delaware healthcare assistance
Can a single mother get Medicaid in Delaware?
Yes, a single mother may qualify if she meets Delaware Medicaid rules for income, household size, residency, citizenship or immigration status, and other program rules. Apply through ASSIST even if you are not sure.
Can my child get coverage if I do not qualify?
Yes, it is possible. Children have their own Medicaid and CHIP rules. Apply through ASSIST so Delaware can screen each child separately.
Does Delaware Medicaid cover pregnancy?
Medicaid can cover pregnancy care for eligible people. Delaware also has 12-month postpartum coverage for eligible Medicaid and DHCP members who received benefits during pregnancy.
What if I need care before my application is approved?
Call 211, ask clinics about sliding-fee care, and ask about Health Care Connection. For emergencies, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Does Medicaid help with rides?
Delaware Medicaid covers non-emergency transportation to covered medical services for eligible Medicaid and Delaware Healthy Children Program members, with limits. Rides should usually be scheduled at least three days ahead.
What should I do if I am denied?
Read the notice, check whether any proof was missing, ask how to correct the case, and look for appeal instructions. If Medicaid does not fit, ask about CHIP for children or a Marketplace special enrollment period.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.