Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against DHSS/DMMA and Medicaid.gov guidelines | Last Updated: April 2026
Delaware Medicaid income limits for 2026 range from $1,769/month for a single adult up to $11,851/month for a household of 10, depending on the program.
Most adults ages 19–64 qualify at 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which equals about $21,597 per year for one person.
This guide covers every program, every income limit, and exactly how to apply.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Delaware expanded Medicaid under the ACA — most adults qualify up to 138% FPL
- ✅ Pregnant women and infants qualify up to 212% FPL (~$2,820/month for a household of 1)
- ✅ Children ages 1–5 have a higher limit of 142% FPL
- ✅ No asset test for MAGI-based programs (adults, children, pregnant women)
- ✅ Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, and more
- ✅ Use our free Delaware Medicaid Eligibility Calculator to check your income
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a free or low-cost health insurance program for people with limited income. It is funded by both the federal government and your state.
In Delaware, Medicaid is run by the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA), a division of Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS).
Delaware expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which means more adults now qualify than ever before. If you are uninsured and have low income, Medicaid may cover you at no cost.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Delaware 2026?
Delaware Medicaid covers several groups of people. Your eligibility depends on your age, household size, income, and sometimes your health situation.
Understanding Delaware Medicaid eligibility in 2026 is the first step to getting coverage for you and your family.
Adults Ages 19–64
Adults qualify at 133% FPL under Delaware’s ACA expansion. With the mandatory 5% income disregard applied, the effective threshold equals 138% FPL. There is no asset test for this group.
Children Ages 6–18
Children ages 6–18 qualify at 133% FPL — the same threshold as adults. Families do not need to pass an asset test for children’s Medicaid coverage.
Children Ages 1–5
Younger children ages 1–5 have a slightly higher income limit of 142% FPL. This means more families with toddlers and preschoolers can qualify.
Infants Under Age 1 and Pregnant Women
Pregnant women and infants under 12 months qualify at 212% FPL. Delaware’s official DMMA table sets this as the base rate. Some calculators may show 217% FPL after applying the 5% disregard — for applications, always use the official DMMA figure.
Seniors and People with Disabilities
Adults who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically enrolled in Regular Medicaid. The 2026 SSI standard is $994/month for an individual and $1,491/month for a couple.
Former Foster Care Youth
Young adults under age 26 who were in foster care and enrolled in Medicaid qualify with no income limit. A 2026 rule change (effective March 11, 2026) further defined this eligibility group under Delaware’s state plan.
Delaware Medicaid Income Limits 2026
Income limits vary by program and household size. All MAGI-based programs use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — this means no asset test applies.
For a full comparison across the country, see our guide to Medicaid income limits by state in 2026.
Adults Ages 19–64 (133% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,769 |
| 2 | $2,398 |
| 3 | $3,028 |
| 4 | $3,658 |
| 5 | $4,287 |
| 6 | $4,917 |
| 7 | $5,546 |
| 8 | $6,176 |
| 9 | $6,805 |
| 10 | $7,435 |
Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026
Children Ages 1–5 (142% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,889 |
| 2 | $2,560 |
| 3 | $3,233 |
| 4 | $3,905 |
| 5 | $4,577 |
| 6 | $5,250 |
| 7 | $5,921 |
| 8 | $6,593 |
| 9 | $7,266 |
| 10 | $7,938 |
Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026
Pregnant Women and Infants Under Age 1 (212% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,820 |
| 2 | $3,822 |
| 3 | $4,827 |
| 4 | $5,830 |
| 5 | $6,833 |
| 6 | $7,838 |
| 7 | $8,840 |
| 8 | $9,843 |
| 9 | $10,848 |
| 10 | $11,851 |
Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026
Delaware Healthy Children Program (DHCP / CHIP) — 212% FPL
DHCP is Delaware’s CHIP program for children in families that earn too much for standard Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Children ages 1–18 qualify at 212% FPL. Families must not be dependents of a State of Delaware employee.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,820 |
| 2 | $3,824 |
| 3 | $4,827 |
| 4 | $5,830 |
| 5 | $6,833 |
Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) — 2026
These programs help Medicare members pay for premiums and cost-sharing.
| Program | FPL | Individual/Month | Couple/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | 100% | $1,330 | $1,804 |
| SLMB | 120% | $1,596 | $2,164 |
| QI-1 | 135% | $1,796 | $2,435 |
| QDWI | 200% | $2,660 | $3,607 |
Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026
Special Programs
| Program | FPL | Individual/Month | Couple/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) | 275% | $3,658 | $4,960 |
| Chronic Renal Disease Program (CRDP) | 300% | $3,990 | $5,410 |
| Delaware Prescription Assistance (DPAP) | 200% | $2,660 | $3,607 |
Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026
What Does Medicaid Cover in Delaware?
Delaware Medicaid covers a wide range of health services at little or no cost to you. Coverage depends on your program, but most members get access to the following benefits.
Medical Services
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Emergency room and hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Lab tests and X-rays
Mental Health and Substance Use
- Mental health counseling
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Psychiatric care and medication management
Additional Benefits
- Dental care (for children; limited for adults)
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Long-term care services (for seniors and people with disabilities)
How to Apply for Medicaid in Delaware
Applying is free and you can do it online, by phone, or in person. Delaware processes most applications within 45 days, or 90 days if a disability determination is needed.
- Online: Visit Delaware ASSIST — the official state benefits portal
- By phone: Call DMMA at 1-800-372-2022 (Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm)
- In person: Visit your local DHSS service center
- By mail: Download and mail the paper application from dhss.delaware.gov/dmma
You will need to provide proof of income, identity, residency, and household size. If you are applying for long-term care Medicaid, you may also need financial records.
For details on what provider services are reimbursed after approval, you can refer to the Delaware Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application, DMMA will review your information and contact you if anything is missing. Most MAGI-based applicants get a decision within 45 days. Disability-based applications may take up to 90 days.
Your Coverage Start Date
If approved, your Medicaid coverage can start as early as the first day of the month you applied. In some cases, Delaware may allow up to 3 months of retroactive coverage for eligible medical bills.
Renewals
Delaware renews Medicaid coverage every 12 months. You will receive a renewal notice by mail or through your Delaware ASSIST account. Respond promptly to avoid losing your coverage.
If You Are Denied
You have the right to appeal any denial. The notice you receive will include instructions on how to request a fair hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Delaware Medicaid income limits for 2026?
A: For a single adult ages 19–64, the limit is $1,769/month (133% FPL). Pregnant women and infants qualify up to $2,820/month (212% FPL). Limits increase with household size. Delaware uses MAGI-based income rules with no asset test for most programs. Source: DHSS/DMMA, 2026.
Q: Does Delaware have expanded Medicaid in 2026?
A: Yes. Delaware expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Most adults ages 19–64 earning up to 138% FPL — about $21,597/year for a single person — qualify. If you earn below this, you go to Medicaid instead of an ACA marketplace plan.
Q: Does Delaware Medicaid cover dental in 2026?
A: Dental coverage is included for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. Adult dental benefits through Delaware Medicaid are limited. If you need full dental coverage as an adult, ask DMMA about any available dental benefits under your specific plan.
Q: How long does Delaware Medicaid take to approve?
A: Most applications are decided within 45 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days. Once approved, coverage may begin as early as the first day of the month you applied or up to 3 months retroactively.
Q: What is the income limit for long-term care Medicaid in Delaware 2026?
A: For nursing home and HCBS Medicaid, the income limit is $2,485/month for a single individual (250% SSI standard). Asset limits also apply: $2,000 for a single applicant. A community spouse may retain up to $162,660 in assets.
Q: Does Delaware Medicaid check assets in 2026?
A: No asset test applies to MAGI-based programs — adults 19–64, children, and pregnant women. Asset tests only apply to long-term care Medicaid and SSI-linked programs. A single nursing home applicant may have no more than $2,000 in countable assets.
Sources & Disclaimer
Sources:
- Delaware DHSS/DMMA — dhss.delaware.gov/dmma/fpl (Last updated February 2026)
- Medicaid.gov — medicaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Last Updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For official eligibility determinations, contact the Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA) at 1-800-372-2022 or visit Medicaid.gov.
