NEW CASTLE – Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace’s open enrollment period started today, Nov. 1, as the marketplace enters its 12th year of open enrollment.
The open enrollment period will run through Jan. 15, 2025. Delawareans can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan at www.HealthCare.gov. Coverage for enrollees who sign up by Dec. 15 and pay their first month’s premium will be effective Jan. 1.
Individuals who don’t act by Jan. 15, 2025, cannot get coverage for 2025 unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on circumstances such as a loss of qualifying health coverage, change of income, becoming a parent, or other qualifying factors.
For the 2025 plan year, consumers will choose from 45 plans offered by four carriers. This enrollment period will also offer persons with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status the ability to enroll in the comprehensive Affordable Care Act coverage offered.
“The health of our state depends on the health of our residents. A critical part of that is making sure Delawareans have access to affordable, quality health care,” said Governor John Carney. “Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace offers four insurers and 45 plans this year. I encourage all Delawareans to closely consider those selections, especially small-business owners, independent contractors, and individuals who don’t have access to health insurance through an employer. Please make your health a priority.”
“Our Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace is thriving, with increased competition, enhanced subsidies, and important policy efforts increasing enrollment 77% since 2021. I’m glad to have strong partners, from Congress to our local navigators, from state agencies to state legislators, who help make this progress possible,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Visit Healthcare.gov today to make your plan for 2025 coverage – and if you aren’t insured right now, check if you may qualify for coverage today.”
Plans on the marketplace are spread among metal-level categories – bronze, silver, gold, platinum and catastrophic – and are based on how enrollees choose to split the costs of care with their insurance company. Bronze plans have low monthly premiums but high costs when you need care; gold plans have high premiums but lower costs when you need care. In a silver plan, the insurer pays about 70% of medical costs and the consumer pays about 30%. Consumers who pick silver health care plans might also qualify for additional savings through discounts on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
All plans on the marketplace offer essential health benefits such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, pediatric services, birth control, and breastfeeding coverage. In addition, coverage cannot be terminated due to a change in health status.
“All Delaware families need access to affordable, quality health care,” said Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Director of Health Care Reform Steven Costantino. “We appreciate the stability the Biden administration, our congressional delegation, the Insurance Commissioner, and our own reinsurance program have all brought to the marketplace. With 45 plans to choose from, I encourage everyone to visit HealthCare.gov to see what type of plan would work for you.”
Assistance for Delaware enrollees
Consumers can go to HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov now to explore their options for 2025 coverage, and they can enroll anytime between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15, 2026.
Delawareans who need help enrolling in coverage will have access to free in-person assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at Westside Family Healthcare (statewide) and by certified application counselors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown. Westside received increased federal funding for navigators to help people enroll for coverage.
State-licensed insurance agents and brokers are also available to help individuals re-enroll and to help employers update their coverage, at no extra charge.
Delawareans can enroll in marketplace coverage at HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).
Support from Congressional Delegation
Delaware’s U.S. senators and representative urged uninsured Delawareans to find out what’s available for them on the marketplace.
“The health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are helping Delawareans and folks around the country get the affordable health care they so desperately need,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, who helped author the ACA. “With more plans offered each year, and free help to enroll, it’s easy to get signed up. Don’t delay – enroll in coverage today!”
“Every Delawarean deserves high-quality, affordable health care,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “No one should ever have to put off care due to a lack of coverage. I encourage everyone to check out the affordable options available on the health insurance marketplace during open enrollment and make sure you and your family are covered for the year ahead.”
“All Delawareans deserve access to quality, reliable, and affordable health care,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, member of the House Health Subcommittee. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I championed in Congress, we are extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and reducing the cost of health care for Delawareans enrolled in the marketplace. I encourage folks across our state to take advantage of this critical opportunity before the open enrollment period ends by going to Healthcare.gov to find a plan that works best!”
In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some residents might be eligible for coverage though Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, visit Delaware ASSIST.