Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace: Enrollment, Plans & Deadlines for 2026
Signing up for health insurance through the Delaware marketplace is straightforward once you know where to go and what to expect — but the process has a few quirks that trip people up every year, from missed deadlines to overlooking subsidies worth hundreds of dollars a month. The enrollment platform, the carriers, and the financial assistance rules all changed heading into this plan year, so even returning enrollees have new details to sort through. Here’s how it all works.
What Is the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Delaware health insurance marketplace is a federally facilitated exchange where residents shop for individual and family health plans that meet Affordable Care Act standards. Delaware does not run its own state exchange — all plan comparisons, subsidy applications, and enrollment happen through HealthCare.gov. The state’s Choose Health Delaware website provides educational resources and directs residents to the federal platform to complete enrollment.
Every plan sold on the Delaware marketplace must cover the ten essential health benefits required under the ACA, including emergency care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, and preventive care at no additional cost. Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. For a broader overview of Delaware coverage options, see the Delaware health insurance guide.
How to Enroll in the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace
Enrolling in the Delaware health insurance marketplace starts at HealthCare.gov, the federal platform that handles all individual and family plan enrollment for the state. The process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and requires basic personal and financial information. Coverage can also be selected through the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Create a HealthCare.gov Account
Visit HealthCare.gov and set up an account with a valid email address, username, and password. This account stores the application, plan selections, and subsidy information for future reference.
Gather Required Documents
Have Social Security numbers for all household members, immigration documents if applicable, employer and income information (pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns), and any current policy numbers ready before starting.
Complete the Marketplace Application
Enter household size, income, and coverage preferences. The application determines eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, Medicaid, or the Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP).
Compare Plans Side by Side
Review available plans from Highmark, AmeriHealth, and Ambetter. Compare monthly premiums, deductibles (the amount paid before coverage begins), provider networks, and prescription drug coverage.
Select a Plan and Pay the First Premium
Choose the plan that fits the household budget and healthcare needs. Contact the carrier directly to make the first premium payment — coverage is not active until the first payment is received by the insurer.
Free in-person enrollment help is available statewide through trained navigators at Westside Family Healthcare locations, Quality Insights navigators, and certified application counselors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown.
Delaware Marketplace Enrollment Deadlines and Key Dates
Open Enrollment for the Delaware health insurance marketplace runs from November 1 through January 15 each year. Residents who enroll by December 15 and pay their first premium secure coverage beginning January 1. Plan selections made between December 16 and January 15 take effect February 1. After January 15, enrollment requires a qualifying life event.
| Deadline | Action | Coverage Starts |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 | Open Enrollment begins | — |
| December 15 | Deadline for January 1 coverage | January 1 |
| January 15 | Final enrollment deadline | February 1 |
| After January 15 | Special Enrollment only | First of month after enrollment |
Delaware Marketplace Plans and Carriers
The Delaware health insurance marketplace offers 40 plans from three carriers for the current plan year, according to CMS enrollment data. Plans are organized into five metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic — each reflecting a different balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Aetna, which offered coverage in the prior year, exited the marketplace nationwide at the end of that year.
Highmark BCBS Delaware
PPOThe only carrier offering PPO plans on the Delaware marketplace. Access to over 2 million providers nationwide through the BlueCard program with no referral requirement. Highmark BCBS Delaware current rate increase: +25%.
AmeriHealth Caritas
HMOOffers HMO plans across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers without requiring specialist referrals. Typically carries the lowest Gold-tier premiums in the state. Current rate increase: +34.98%.
Ambetter by Celtic
EPOOffers EPO plans with no out-of-network coverage but no referral requirement. Entered Delaware’s marketplace in 2025 and generally provides the lowest overall premiums. A 40-year-old pays approximately $719/month for Silver before subsidies.
Aetna CVS Health
No Longer AvailableAetna withdrew from the Delaware marketplace effective January 1, 2026, as part of a nationwide exit from ACA individual plans. Former Aetna members needed to select a new carrier during Open Enrollment to maintain coverage.
For a detailed comparison of carriers and plan rankings, see the guide to the best health insurance in Delaware. Residents who want out-of-network flexibility should consider PPO plans, which are only available through Highmark on the Delaware marketplace.
See Your Delaware Marketplace Options
Enter your zip code and household details to see every marketplace plan available in your county — with subsidy estimates included.
Compare All Carriers Call 888-215-4045Qualifying Life Events for Special Enrollment in Delaware
Outside of Open Enrollment, Delaware residents can enroll in marketplace coverage only through a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event. Most qualifying events open a 60-day enrollment window from the date of the event. Loss of Medicaid coverage provides a 90-day window in most circumstances.
Loss of Coverage
60 DaysLosing employer-sponsored insurance, aging off a parent’s plan at 26, COBRA expiration, loss of Medicaid or CHIP eligibility, or a carrier exiting the marketplace — such as Aetna’s departure from Delaware at the end of 2025.
Household Changes
60 DaysMarriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a covered household member. Newborns and newly adopted children can be added to existing coverage retroactively.
Relocation
60 DaysMoving to a new zip code or county where different marketplace plans are available — including moving into Delaware from another state. The move must be permanent, and prior coverage is required in most cases.
Other Qualifying Events
VariesGaining citizenship or lawful presence, release from incarceration, income changes affecting Medicaid eligibility, or errors by the marketplace or an enrollment assister. Native Americans can enroll year-round without a qualifying event.
Financial Assistance Available Through the Delaware Marketplace
Over 90% of Delaware marketplace enrollees receive financial help to reduce monthly premiums. In 2025, premium tax credits averaged $538 per month, bringing the average subsidized premium to approximately $217 per month. Multiple assistance programs are available depending on household income and family size. For cost-reduction strategies, see the guide to affordable health insurance in Delaware.
Premium Tax Credits
Premium tax credits are available to individuals earning up to $62,600 per year (400% of the federal poverty level) and families of four earning up to $128,600. Credits can be applied in advance to reduce monthly premiums or claimed as a lump sum at tax time.
Cost-Sharing Reductions
Residents with incomes up to 250% FPL (approximately $39,125 for an individual) may qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles, copays (fixed per-visit fees), and coinsurance (the percentage of costs shared after the deductible). These reductions apply only to Silver-tier plans on the marketplace.
Medicaid & CHIP
The marketplace application also determines eligibility for Delaware Medicaid (adults up to 138% FPL, approximately $21,597) and the Delaware Healthy Children Program covering children under 19. Both programs are available year-round through Delaware DHSS or HealthCare.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Delaware Marketplace
Below are answers to common questions about enrolling in the Delaware health insurance marketplace, including eligibility requirements, plan costs at different income levels, key enrollment deadlines, current carrier options, and where to find free assistance navigating the enrollment process.
Does Delaware have its own health insurance exchange?
Delaware uses a partnership exchange model. The state operates Choose Health Delaware as an educational resource, but all enrollment, plan comparisons, and subsidy applications are handled through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
Can I enroll in the Delaware marketplace after January 15?
Enrollment after January 15 requires a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new coverage area. Most qualifying events open a 60-day enrollment window. Native Americans and individuals eligible for Medicaid or CHIP can enroll year-round.
How many plans are available on the Delaware marketplace?
The Delaware marketplace offers 40 plans from three carriers for the current plan year: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), AmeriHealth Caritas (HMO), and Ambetter by Celtic (EPO). Plans span Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic tiers.
What is the average cost of a marketplace plan in Delaware?
Before subsidies, the average marketplace premium for a 40-year-old in Delaware is approximately $791 per month. After premium tax credits, subsidized enrollees paid an average of $217 per month in 2025. Actual costs vary by age, income, county, and plan selection.
Where can I get free help enrolling in the Delaware marketplace?
Free in-person enrollment assistance is available through Westside Family Healthcare navigators statewide, Quality Insights certified application counselors, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington, and La Red Health Center in Georgetown. The HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 is available around the clock.
What happened to Aetna on the Delaware marketplace?
Aetna exited the Delaware marketplace effective January 1, 2026, as part of a nationwide withdrawal from ACA individual plans. Former Aetna enrollees needed to select a new plan from Highmark, AmeriHealth, or Ambetter during Open Enrollment to maintain coverage.
Delaware Health Insurance Resources
Explore related guides for Delaware coverage options, carrier comparisons and rankings, affordability strategies including subsidy calculators and cost-reduction tips, and plan type explanations to help make the right enrollment decision.
Full guide to plans, costs, and carriers across the state.
Affordable CoverageLow-cost plans, subsidies, and strategies to reduce premiums.
Best Plans & CarriersHighmark, AmeriHealth, and Ambetter ranked and compared.
PPO PlansFlexibility for specialists and out-of-network care nationwide.
Compare Delaware Marketplace Plans
With 40 plans from three carriers, the right marketplace coverage depends on your zip code, household income, and family size. Enter a few details to see every available option with real premium estimates side by side in minutes.
Compare All Carriers Call 888-215-4045Broker Disclosure
ForHealthInsurance.com is an independent health insurance agency serving Delaware residents. We are not affiliated with any carrier or government agency. We help you compare plans and enroll in coverage that meets your needs at no extra cost to you.