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Delaware Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO Delaware

Delaware Medicaid does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new Delaware resident applies fresh through Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on Delaware's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving Delaware

Leaving Delaware ends your Delaware Medicaid case — no state will take it over. Close the case with Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance ↗ (application page)

Delaware Medicaid at a glance

Program nameDelaware Medicaid
ACA Medicaid expansionYes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit138% of the federal poverty level
ProcessingFederal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations)

Delaware Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

Delaware expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Household sizeMonthly income limitYearly income limit
1 person$1,836$22,025
2 people$2,489$29,864
3 people$3,142$37,702
4 people$3,795$45,540
5 people$4,449$53,379
6 people$5,102$61,217
7 people$5,755$69,056
8 people$6,408$76,894
Each additional person+$654+$7,839

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in Delaware

Apply with Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance online at assist.dhss.delaware.gov. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in Delaware for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep Delaware Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so Delaware coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Delaware?

Apply with Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance online at assist.dhss.delaware.gov. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations).

Who runs Medicaid in Delaware?

Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does Delaware make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in Delaware; eligibility is decided on Delaware's own rules.

Where do I report that I'm leaving Delaware?

Contact Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

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Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage

Official sources

Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .

Written by Benefits Transfer Editorial Team

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor

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