Delaware Healthcare Assistance for Single Mothers

Where to start

For related help beyond health coverage, keep ASMOM’s Delaware assistance guide open.

Quick reference

Delaware Medicaid

Delaware Medicaid is run by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. Most people who receive Medicaid in Delaware are enrolled in a managed care plan through the Diamond State Health Plan. Medicaid can help with doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, transportation, mental health support, pregnancy care, preventive care, lab work, and other covered services.

Apply online through ASSIST. If you need help, use the DMMA contact page, call the number on your notice, or ask 211 for a benefits application site. If you already have Medicaid and need to choose or change a managed care plan, the Health Benefits Manager can help.

2026 income screens

The table below uses Delaware’s 2026 countable income limits as a planning screen. It is not a promise of approval. Delaware may apply different rules, deductions, disregards, and program categories. ASSIST or DSS must make the final decision.

Use these numbers carefully. If your income changes from week to week, apply and upload your most current proof instead of guessing.

Children’s coverage and Delaware Healthy Children Program

Children may qualify for Medicaid at different income levels depending on age and household facts. If a child does not qualify for Medicaid, Delaware may screen the child for the Delaware Healthy Children Program, also called DCHIP or DHCP. Delaware describes DHCP as a low-cost health insurance program for uninsured children.

Do not try to choose the program yourself. Apply through ASSIST and let the state screen the child. Public pages may not all update at the same time, so 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, immunizations, sick visits, prescriptions, hospital care, mental health care, dental care, vision care, and other covered services. If your child already has a doctor, ask whether 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 12-month postpartum coverage for eligible Medicaid and Delaware Healthy Children Program members who received 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. ASMOM’s pregnancy and newborn guide can help you map the next steps.

Marketplace plans when Medicaid is not the answer

If Medicaid or child coverage 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 coverage, the HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment period ran from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. After January 15, you generally need a Special Enrollment Period to enroll or change plans. Common qualifying events include losing coverage, having a baby, adopting a child, moving, marriage, divorce, job loss, or a change in immigration status.

The Delaware Department of Insurance warned consumers to use HealthCare.gov, official navigators, or verified brokers and to watch for misleading sales activity. Westside Family Healthcare says its certified enrollment staff can help with Marketplace plans, tax credits, Medicaid applications, and renewals. Start with Westside enrollment help.

Clinics and care when you are uninsured

If you need care before 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, prevention services, and other health resources.

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 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 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. If you have questions, contact the Health Benefits Manager at 1-800-996-9969 and ask which plans are available to you.

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. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize proof for benefits and medical care.

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, a household member was missing, or Delaware did not receive your documents, call right away and ask how to fix it.

Delaware says DHSS provides a fair hearing opportunity to a person who is dissatisfied with a decision to deny, suspend, delay, reduce, or terminate benefits. The notice should explain how to request a hearing. Keep the envelope, the notice, screenshots, upload confirmations, and names of workers you spoke with.

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 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. For more help with benefit notices, use ASMOM’s benefits problems guide.