Last Updated: December 2025
Delaware Medicaid helps families pay for health care. Income limits change each year. In 2026, most families qualify if they earn less than set amounts based on family size.
This guide shows how Delaware get their Medicaid income limits in 2026 and what’s new or what’s change and how much. You will learn who can get help and how to apply.
Page Contents
- 1 Quick Summary
- 2 What Is Delaware Medicaid?
- 3 2026 Delaware Income Limits Chart by Family Size
- 4 What Is Countable Income?
- 5 Long-Term Care Medicaid
- 6 Delaware Healthy Children Program
- 7 Medicare Savings Programs
- 8 How to Apply for Delaware Medicaid
- 9 Retroactive Coverage
- 10 Special Rules for Different Groups
- 11 What Medicaid Covers
- 12 Common Questions
- 13 Where to Get Help
- 14 Final Thoughts
Quick Summary
- Delaware Medicaid covers children, parents, pregnant women, and adults
- Income limits depend on family size and program type
- Most limits are based on Federal Poverty Level percentages
- Long-term care has different rules and asset tests
- You can apply online or get help at local offices
What Is Delaware Medicaid?
Delaware Medicaid is a health program. It helps people with low income pay for doctor visits, medicine, and hospital care.
The state runs this program. It uses federal and state money to help families.
Delaware calls its program the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA).
2026 Delaware Income Limits Chart by Family Size
Income limits change based on who is in your family. Here are the monthly income limits for 2026.
Children and Parents
| Family Size | Parents (87% FPL) | Children 6-18 (133% FPL) | Children 1-5 (142% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,134 | $1,735 | $1,852 |
| 2 | $1,534 | $2,345 | $2,503 |
| 3 | $1,932 | $2,954 | $3,154 |
| 4 | $2,331 | $3,563 | $3,804 |
| 5 | $2,730 | $4,174 | $4,456 |
Pregnant Women and Infants
Pregnant women get higher income limits. This helps protect the health of mom and baby.
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit (212% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,764 |
| 2 | $3,738 |
| 3 | $4,709 |
| 4 | $5,679 |
Adults Without Children
Adults aged 19-64 can also get Medicaid. The income limit is 133% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For one person, that is about $1,735 per month in 2026.
What Is Countable Income?
Countable income is not all money you make. Delaware subtracts some things first.
This may include:
- Child support payments you make
- Work expenses for people with disabilities
- Dependent care costs
The amount left after these deductions is your countable income.
Note: These are the amounts used in 2025. Delaware usually updates limits in January or April each year. For 2026, check the official DMMA website for confirmed numbers.
Long-Term Care Medicaid
Long-term care Medicaid helps pay for nursing homes. It also covers home care services.
Income Limit for Nursing Home Care
The income limit is $2,417.50 per month for one person. This is based on 2025 data.
Delaware is an income cap state. If you earn more, you may need a Miller Trust.
Asset Limits
Assets are things you own like bank accounts and property.
- Single person: $2,000 in countable assets
- Married couple: $3,000 if both apply
Some assets do not count. These include:
- Your home (if equity is under $730,000)
- One car
- Personal items like clothes and furniture
- Burial funds
Spousal Protections
If your spouse needs nursing home care, you can keep assets. The community spouse can keep up to $157,920.
You may also get some of your spouse’s income. This ensures you have at least $2,555 per month.
Delaware Healthy Children Program
This program covers children who earn too much for regular Medicaid. Families can earn up to 212% of poverty level.
There may be a small monthly premium. The cost depends on income.
Medicare Savings Programs
Delaware helps seniors pay Medicare costs. Programs include:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Income at or below 100% FPL
- SLMB: Income between 100% and 120% FPL
- QI-1: Income between 120% and 135% FPL
These programs help pay Medicare premiums and other costs.
How to Apply for Delaware Medicaid
You can apply in three ways:
- Online: Visit Delaware Health and Social Services
- By phone: Call 1-800-372-2022
- In person: Go to your local DHSS office
Documents You May Need
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Proof of address
- Bank statements
Need help with other states? Check Medicaid income limits 2026 by state to compare programs across America.
Retroactive Coverage
Delaware now covers medical bills from before your application. You can get help for up to three months back.
This applies if you met all rules during those months. This change started in January 2025.
Special Rules for Different Groups
Children
Children under 19 have the easiest time qualifying. Income limits are higher for kids.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women get coverage quickly. Income limits are more than double the basic level.
People with Disabilities
SSI recipients automatically qualify. Other disabled people may use different income rules.
Elderly Adults
Seniors over 65 may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This is called dual eligibility.
What Medicaid Covers
Delaware Medicaid pays for:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Mental health services
- Dental care for children
- Vision care
- Medical equipment
Common Questions
What if my income is too high?
You may still qualify for a partial program. Check the Healthy Children Program or Medicare Savings Programs.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
Most programs require citizenship or legal status. Some children and pregnant women may have different rules.
How long does approval take?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Emergency cases may be faster.
Can I work and still get Medicaid?
Yes. Many working families qualify. Your earned income is counted differently than other income.
Where to Get Help
If you need help applying, contact:
- Delaware DHSS: 1-800-372-2022
- Local DHSS offices: Find locations on the state website
- Community health centers: They often have enrollment staff
Final Thoughts
Delaware Medicaid helps thousands of families get health care. Income limits change each year based on federal poverty guidelines.
If your income is close to the limit, apply anyway. Small deductions may help you qualify.
For the most current 2026 limits, visit the Delaware DMMA website or call their helpline.
About the Author
Akash Biswas, MSW
My name is Akash Biswas. I like to read hard government rules and make them easy to understand. Many people find Medicaid and Medicare confusing, and that is okay. I want to help.
I made this website so families can learn in simple words. I take big, hard information and break it into small, easy steps. I want every person to feel calm and sure when they read about Medicaid or Medicare.
My goal is to help you understand who can get help, how to apply, and what to do next. I hope this website makes your life easier and helps you get the care you need.
I study Medicaid and Medicare rules every day and work hard to share clear, correct, and easy information for all families.
Credentials:
- MSW in Social Work
- Former SNAP & Medicaid caseworker trainer
- Advocate for accessible benefits education
- Published writer on poverty, healthcare access, and food security
Akash personally writes and reviews most of the articles and calculators on CheckMedicaid.com, ensuring they are accurate, practical, and easy to understand.
