Emergency Cash Benefits for Eligible TANF, General Assistance Households Continue until May

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 24, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for February to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Due to a recent change in federal law passed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, this will be the final emergency benefits payment as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Emergency benefits paid as part of two cash assistance programs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA) – will continue until the end of the federal Public Health Emergency in May.

The SNAP emergency food benefit will be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Tuesday, Feb. 28. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Beginning March 1, 2023, SNAP households will receive their regular monthly food benefit amount on the normal issuance date and will no longer receive additional emergency food benefits on their EBT cards at the end of each month. More information and resources around this change can be found at de.gov/snapchanges.

“Delaware families needed these emergency food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic to help put healthy food on the table,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “We know the need for help is still there even as the federal emergency payments are coming to an end. There are community resources that may be available to those in need and we are working with our partners to prepare for this change.”

DHSS encourages Delawareans in need of food assistance to contact Delaware 2-1-1 by calling 2-1-1 or visiting delaware211.org to find the nearest food closet or pantry or visit the Food Bank of Delaware’s website at fbd.org.

Through the end of February, all households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

1. SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
2. SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
3. SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families increases a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of February are not eligible for the February emergency cash funds. Emergency cash benefits will continue through May 2023 when the federal COVID-19 public health emergency expires.

DHSS has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $181 in emergency benefits ($281 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).

Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

An estimated 60,800 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in February, totaling about $12.9 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

General Assistance (GA)

An estimated 190 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in February, totaling about $ 25,000 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for February on the usual issuance dates.

Households should report to DSS any recent changes in address, household size, employment, income, and expenses (such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and child care). Households can report changes by logging in to Delaware ASSIST, calling 1-866-843-7212, or contacting their local DSS office.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to the division’s webpage. To screen for and apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212.

NEWARK (Jan. 18, 2023) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, along with top leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), led a community response briefing to provide the latest information about suspected drug overdose deaths in the state, current and emerging dangers of illicit drug use, and a clear call to action to reduce overdose deaths through collaboration and innovative programs.

In 2021, Delaware reported 515 overdose deaths, an increase of more than 15% over 2020, according to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science (DFS). In Kent County, overdose deaths increased 74% from 50 in 2020 to 87 in 2021. DFS also reported that 425 of the 515 deaths involved fentanyl, a synthetic pain reliever that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

“As a nurse, Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, and Lt. Governor, I hear every day from Delawareans and their families about the challenges they face battling substance use disorder and receiving the treatment services they so desperately need,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “We are working hard across our systems to expand access and connect individuals to quality treatment services. In 2020, Delaware was one of only four states to experience a decrease in the rate of overdose deaths thanks to the hard work of those who are committed to this fight. Still, too many families have an empty seat at the table because their loved one lost the battle to substance use disorder. The current data is alarming. We have to do even more to support them and ensure critical treatment and recovery services are ready and available, and to stop the loss. Delawareans deserve a behavioral health system that works for everyone.”

During the event, DHSS’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) announced the establishment of the Opioid Response Center, which will soon utilize overdose incident data to dispatch targeted community outreach teams who will distribute Narcan and share information about how individuals can get help if they are struggling with addiction. The center is also planning to provide follow-up outreach to community members who have overdosed but who refused subsequent medical care.

DSAMH Director Joanna Champney underscored the sense of urgency among state leadership regarding opioid overdoses and introduced plans to hold quarterly briefings going forward to keep the public informed about the State’s ongoing work to reduce overdoses and respond to the opioid epidemic.

“With overdose deaths continuing to rise, we must escalate our sense of urgency through regular and targeted discussions about the emerging dangers so people know exactly how they can get help.” Champney said.

Nathaniel McQueen, Secretary for the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security spoke of the agency’s commitment to reducing opioid deaths and pointed to the importance of collaboration among agencies and community partners.

“It is our hope that by increasing awareness of the great work done across our state and providing our citizens with data and resources associated with these programs, it will spark a call to action so that we are all better informed and can collectively join the efforts to combat substance use disorder, ultimately reducing the number of overdose deaths in Delaware,” said Secretary McQueen.

According to John Evans, Director of the Division of Forensic Science, preliminary reports show that there were 406 confirmed overdose deaths in the first three quarters of 2022, with approximately 124 suspected overdose deaths still pending final testing from the last quarter of 2022. This compares to 374 confirmed overdose deaths in the first three quarters of 2021.

“Unfortunately, the number of accidental drug overdose deaths occurring in the State has seen a 19% increase over the last three years,” said Evans. “Fentanyl continues to be the most frequently found compound, with it being identified in 82.5% of the overdose deaths. If you are a white male between the ages of 30-59, you are the most likely to die in our state as the result of a drug overdose.”

Captain Joshua Bushweller, Intelligence Commander and Director of the Delaware Intelligence and Analysis Center (DIAC) at the Delaware State Police shared that more than 5,000 drug related crime incidents occurred in 2022, with 19% being cocaine related, 19% heroin related, 3% methamphetamine, 2% hallucinogen., 2% amphetamine, 1% opium, and 3% other. Marijuana comprised 32% and paraphernalia 19%. New Castle County continues to have the highest incidence of opioid crime incidents compared to the other counties. Capt. Bushweller displayed a heatmap showing drug incident hotspots, calling attention to the top five cities with drug incidents in the last five years. The cities in order of prevalence are Wilmington, Dover, Newark, New Castle, and Seaford.

“The Delaware Information and Analysis Center remains committed, determined, and focused with our partners in reducing drug overdoses in Delaware,” said Bushweller. “We understand substance use disorder not only affects its victims, but their families and our communities are deeply impacted as well. The DIAC will continue to strive to serve as a meaningful partner by providing real time data, thorough analysis, and quality feedback to the various stakeholders as we collectively work together towards a healthier Delaware.”

Brent Waninger, DSAMH’s Director of Programs and Grant Administration, provided updated information on the state’s Police Diversion Program, a partnership between Delaware State Police and DSAMH. Individuals who are arrested with certain drug-related offenses are offered the option of meeting with a DSAMH representative who offers information about entering a substance use treatment program. Individuals who agree to enter treatment are eligible to be diverted from prosecution. Waninger was flanked during the briefing by clinicians and peers from DSAMH who are embedded at Delaware State Police Troop locations statewide, as well as State Police personnel instrumental in the program’s launch.

“These are some of the friendly faces who stand ready to talk with you about treatment, said Waninger. These are the people whose commitment, work ethic, real-life experience, and personal compassion have ensured that of the more than 1,000 referrals the PDP has connected with, nearly 40% have accepted the program, and of those, almost 70% were successfully connected to treatment services.”

Dr. Greg Wanner, Chief Physician for the Division of Public Health, provided a demonstration of the use of fentanyl test strips that are now included in the Narcan kits being distributed. The test strips are highly sensitive and will detect fentanyl down to 0.1 mcg/ml.

“The use of fentanyl test strips is an important part of a comprehensive harm reduction strategy to reduce overdose deaths in the state,” said Dr. Wanner. “Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Delaware. The test strips are a preventive measure. After a test strip detects fentanyl, an individual can choose not to use the drug based on the additional risk. We will continue to discourage drug use and encourage people to seek treatment, but for persons with substance use disorder, we are using a compassionate approach to help raise awareness and empower those individuals to make informed choices.”

Brandywine Counseling and Community Services CEO Dr. Lynn Morrison discussed community outreach efforts happening across the state, including their various drop-in centers as well as Outreach Packs that are available for distribution increase in several programs including distributing Naloxone statewide, providing access to their mobile treatment and syringe services, and providing technology-based behavioral interventions.

“Recovery, hope, empowerment, and innovation – those concepts are what we must embrace every day if we want to tackle the overdose crisis in our communities,” said Dr. Morrison. “By intensifying our boots-on-the-ground approach to high-risk communities, we are confident we can reach those who need our services and support. Brandywine Counseling and Community Services has always been a welcoming and innovative organization – and we are determined to build stronger communities, by giving hope –and help – to the most vulnerable among us.”

DHSS Cabinet Secretary Molly Magarik closed the briefing with a call to action, encouraging Delawareans who need support – whether they are actively using substances or not – to reach out to trusted sources for help.

“We’re urging people who are struggling with addiction to consider different paths towards help,” said Secretary Magarik. “You can ask for the Police Diversion Program if you get in trouble with the law and are ready to get help. You can visit HelpIsHereDE.com to get information about Bridge Clinics where you can walk in and talk to someone who is in recovery themselves and who can help you explore your options for treatment. You can order fentanyl test strips from HelpisHereDE.com so you know what’s in the drugs you’re using and so you can make smart choices about protecting yourself. And you can connect with Brandywine Counseling’s drop-in centers to get help.”

To help address behavioral health needs of Delawareans, DHSS has several ways for individuals or their family members to connect:

• Call the 24/7 Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333 – a single point of contact in which callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance.
• Stop by one of DHSS’ Bridge Clinics for an in-person assessment.
• Visit TreatmentConnection.com to find out which treatment providers are located near you.
• Visit HelpIsHereDE.com, DHSS’ one-stop website where Delawareans can search for treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states.
• Call 988 if the individual is in crisis and needs immediate support.
• Call 911 if someone has overdosed and needs emergency medical attention.
• Learn where to find Narcan training, get the medication through the mail, and download the OpiRescueDE App here.

Los residentes de Delaware encontrarán más opciones en aseguradoras y planes, y subsidios federales incrementados continuos para ayudar con la asequibilidad; la registración se extiende hasta el 15 de Enero del 2023

NEW CASTLE (1º de Noviembre, 2022) – Saliendo de un año con sin precedentes por la inscripción en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware, los residentes de Delaware buscando cobertura para el 2023 encontrarán más opciones de aseguradoras y planes que antes visto, y seguirán encontrando subsidios federales mejorados, lo cual empezó el año anterior bajo la administración de Biden. Los subsidios han ayudado a reducir el costo del consumidor de hasta un 40%.

El décimo periodo de inscripción abierta comenzó hoy, 1º de Noviembre y termina el 15 de Enero del 2023 en www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov, donde los consumidores pueden renovar cobertura existente o inscribirse en un nuevo plan. La cobertura para miembros que se inscriban antes del 15 de Diciembre y paguen la prima del primer mes entrará en vigencia el 1º de Enero.

Los individuos que no actúen antes del 15 de Enero de 2023 no podrán obtener cobertura para 2023 al menos que califiquen para un Período de Inscripción Especial basado en circunstancias como la pérdida de cobertura médica calificada, cambio de ingresos, volverse un padre u otros factores calificantes.

Este año, los residentes de Delaware tendrán de tres aseguradoras para elegir versus solo una el año pasado y un total de 30 planes, el total más alto en los 10 años del mercado. El Comisionado de Seguros, Trinidad Navarro, anunció en Junio que dos nuevas aseguradoras, AmeriHealth Caritas (cuatro planes) y Aetna CVS Health (nueve planes), se unirían a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (17 opciones de planes) para ofrecer cobertura en el mercado para 2023. En septiembre, el Comisionado Navarro anunció que las tarifas de Highmark aumentarían un 5.5% en promedio.

La estabilidad general del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware refleja la aprobación federal continua del programa de reaseguros de Delaware. El programa ha reducido las primas de seguro médico para los planes vendidos en el mercado de seguros individuales al reembolsar parcialmente a las aseguradoras los reclamos de atención médica de alto costo a través de un fondo que utiliza una combinación de fondos federales y evaluaciones recaudadas por el Departamento de Seguros de Delaware de los portadores de seguros médicos. Debido a que los costos de reclamos de las aseguradoras son más bajos, las aseguradoras pueden reducir el costo de las primas o limitar los aumentos.

Durante la inscripción abierta del año pasado, un total de 32,113 residentes de Delaware se inscribieron para la cobertura de 2022 en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware, un aumento del 26.8% del año anterior.

“Todas las familias de Delaware necesitan acceso a atención médica de calidad asequible,” dijo el Gobernador John Carney. “Hay más planes para elegir este año, lo que ayudará a que la cobertura sea aún más asequible. Animo a todos los residentes de Delaware a mirar sus opciones, especialmente a los propietarios de pequeñas empresas, contratistas independientes y personas que no tienen acceso a un seguro médico a través de un empleador. Es importante que prioricemos nuestra salud.”

En 2021, la administración de Biden hizo que la expansión al acceso a seguro médico y la asequibilidad una prioridad a través de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense, que aumentó los créditos fiscales y expandió los subsidios hacia la clase media. Este año, la aprobación de la Ley para la Reducción de la Inflación continuó con esos beneficios incrementados hasta 2025. Por ejemplo, una familia de cuatro (ambos padres de 40 años) que ganan $50,000 son elegibles para un crédito de aproximadamente $16,000, en comparación con los $14,300 anteriores.

Adicionalmente, el gobierno federal cambió a principios de este mes la forma en que se determina la asequibilidad de la cobertura del empleador para los miembros de la familia de un empleado, el llamado “fallo familiar.” A partir del 2023, los familiares de una persona a la que se les ofrece cobertura basada en el empleador que es “asequible” solo para el empleado y no para toda la familia, pueden ser elegibles para créditos fiscales por primera vez en el mercado. Este cambio ayudará a más consumidores a calificar para créditos fiscales y reducciones de costos compartidos a través de un plan de mercado.

Los créditos fiscales federales están disponibles para aquellos cuyos ingresos familiares se encuentran entre el 138% y el 400% del nivel federal de pobreza. Para la cobertura de 2023, eso es entre $18,754 y $54,360 para una persona, o entre $38,295 y $111,000 para una familia de cuatro. Para la cobertura en el 2022, alrededor del 89% de los afiliados en Delaware eran elegibles para créditos fiscales, lo que ayuda a reducir el costo de la prima mensual.

Los planes en el mercado se distribuyen entre categorías de nivel de metales (bronce, plata, oro, platino y catastrófico – y se basan en cómo los afiliados eligen dividir los costos de cuidado con su compañía de seguros. Los planes bronce tienen primas mensuales bajas pero altos costos cuando necesita atención; los planes dorados tienen primas altas, pero costos más bajos cuando necesita atención. En un plan plata, la aseguradora paga alrededor del 70% de los costos médicos y el consumidor paga alrededor del 30%. Los consumidores que eligen planes de atención médica plata también pueden calificar para ahorros adicionales a través de descuentos en deducibles, copagos y coaseguros. En Delaware, alrededor del 23% de los afiliados actuales califican para reducciones de costos compartidos. Para cualquier plan del mercado en 2023, los consumidores individuales no pueden pagar más de $9,100 en gastos médicos de bolsillo y las familias no pueden pagar más de $18,200.

Para 2023:

• Highmark ofrecerá 17 planes para individuos: tres planes de platino, seis de oro, tres de plata, cuatro de bronce y uno catastrófico.
• Aetna CVS Health ofrecerá nueve planes: dos de oro, cuatro de plata y tres de bronce.
• AmeriHealth Caritas ofrecerá cuatro planes: uno dorado, uno plateado y dos bronce.
• Dos aseguradoras dentales, Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. y Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – ofrecerán un total de 13 planes dentales independientes en el mercado, siete con un nivel actuarial bajo (paga menos mensualmente, pero más cuando obtienes servicios dentales) y seis con un nivel actuarial alto (paga más mensualmente, pero menos cuando recibes atención dental).

Todos los planes ofrecen beneficios esenciales de salud, como cobertura de condiciones preexistentes, atención ambulatoria, servicios de emergencia, hospitalización, recetas medicas, servicios de salud mental y trastornos por uso de sustancias, servicios de laboratorio, servicios pediátricos, control de la natalidad y cobertura de lactancia, y vacunas de COVID-19, incluido el nuevo refuerzo bivalente. Además, la cobertura no puede cancelarse debido a un cambio en el estado de salud, incluyendo el diagnóstico o tratamiento de COVID-19.

“A medida que ingresamos al décimo año de inscripción abierta del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware, estamos agradecidos por el importante papel que desempeñan los planes del mercado para mejorar el acceso a una atención médica asequible y de alta calidad,” dijo la Secretaria del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales Molly Magarik. “Y apreciamos la estabilidad que la administración Biden, nuestra delegación del congreso, el Comisionado de Seguros y que nuestro propio programa de reaseguro han aportado al mercado. Urgimos a todos a que vuelvan a mirar la asequibilidad de los planes en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware y vean cómo la cobertura puede encajar en el presupuesto de su familia.”

“El Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware es más exitoso que nunca con tasas constantes, subsidios mejorados y la inscripción en su punto más alto,” dijo el Comisionado de Seguros Trinidad Navarro. “Estoy muy orgulloso de que, de cara al 2023, los consumidores también se beneficiarán de la mayor competencia que ha visto nuestro estado, con tres aseguradoras y 30 opciones de planes para elegir”.

Asistencia para afiliados Delaware

Los consumidores pueden ir a HealthCare.gov o a CuidadodeSalud.gov ahora para explorar sus opciones para la cobertura del 2023, y se pueden inscribir en cualquier momentos desde el 1º de Noviembre hasta el 15 de Enero, 2023.

Los residentes de Delaware que necesiten ayuda inscribiéndose en cobertura tendrán acceso a asistencia en persona gratuita financiados con fondos federales por especialistas capacitados Westside Family Healthcare (en todo el estado) y Quality Insights, Inc., (condados de New Castle y Sussex) y por asesores de solicitud certificados en Henrietta Johnson Medical Center en Wilmington y La Red Health Center en Georgetown. Westside y Quality Insights recibieron cada uno más fondos federales para navegadores para ayudar a las personas a inscribirse en la cobertura.
Agentes e intermediarios de seguros con licencia estatal también están disponibles para ayudar a individuos para volver a inscribirse y ayudar a los empleadores a actualizar su cobertura, sin cargo adicional.

Para más información, visite www.ChooseHealthDE.com. Puede inscribirse en la cobertura del mercado en CuidadodeSalud.gov o llamando al 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

De acuerdo con el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. (HHS):

• Alrededor del 89% de los inscritos en el mercado de Delaware recibieron asistencia financiera en 2022 para ayudarlos a pagar sus primas mensuales y/o deducibles y copagos.
• La prima mensual promedio general en Delaware es de $706, con una prima promedio reducida a $169 por mes después del crédito fiscal. Para el 89% de los residentes de Delaware que recibieron asistencia financiera, la prima promedio después del crédito fiscal es de $114 por mes.
• Entre las 32,113 personas que se inscribieron durante la inscripción abierta del año pasado, alrededor del 78% eran reinscritos y el 22% eran nuevos inscritos.
• Ayuda financiera está disponible para individuos con ingresos anuales de hasta $54,360; para una familia de cuatro, el límite de ingresos es de $111,000.
• Aproximadamente el 62% de los miembros de Delaware se inscribieron durante las tres semanas anteriores al 15 de diciembre de 2021.

Apoyo de la Delegación del Congreso

Los senadores y representantes de EEUU de Delaware urgieron a los residentes de Delaware que no tienen seguro a averiguar qué hay disponible para ellos en el mercado.

“Estoy orgulloso que pudimos extender los subsidios de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA) y hacer que el seguro médico sea más asequible para los Estadounidenses hasta 2025 con la aprobación de la Ley para la Reducción de la Inflación,” dijo el Senador Americano Tom Carper. “Ahora en su décimo año, el mercado es más asequible que nunca y los residentes de Delaware tienen más opciones que antes. ¡Animo a todos a visitar CuidadodeSalud.gov o buscar ayuda gratuita con nuestros muchos navegadores de seguros de salud y obtener cobertura sin demora!”

“A medida que avanzamos al décimo año de inscripción abierta, está claro que la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio ha permitido a los residentes de Delaware a acceder a un seguro de salud asequible y de calidad a través del mercado de seguros,” dijo el Senador Americano Chris Coons. “Solo en este año, mis colegas y yo pudimos extender subsidios críticos para este programa a través de la Ley para la Reducción de la Inflación para garantizar que más familias puedan pagar el seguro médico que necesitan sin tener que tirar la casa por la ventana. A partir de hoy, los residentes de Delaware tienen más opciones que nunca para protegerse a sí mismos y a sus familias, y deben visitar CuidadodeSalud.gov para inscribirse o cambiar su seguro antes del 15 de enero.”

“A raíz de la pandemia de COVID-19, el acceso a un seguro de salud asequible y de calidad nunca ha sido más importante. Es por eso por lo que voté para aprobar la Ley para la Reducción de la Inflación en agosto, que extiende los subsidios de la ACA, lo que reduce el costo de la atención médica para los residentes de Delaware inscritos en la cobertura de atención médica a través del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Delaware,” dijo la Representante Americana Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Y este año, los residentes de Delaware tienen más opciones que nunca para encontrar un plan asequible que funcione mejor para ellos y sus familias. Me complace unirme a mis colegas—el Senador Carper y el Senador Coons—así como al Comisionado de Seguros Navarro para anunciar que hoy, 1º de Noviembre, marca el comienzo del período de inscripción abierta para que los residentes de Delaware se inscriban en la cobertura de atención médica a través del mercado. Los residentes de Delaware tienen hasta el 15 de Enero de 2023 para revisar sus planes actuales, inscribirse en un nuevo plan u obtener más información en HealthCare.gov. ¡No pierda la oportunidad de obtener cobertura!”

Además del Mercado de Seguros Médicos, algunos residentes pueden ser elegibles para la cobertura a través del programa ampliado de Medicaid de Delaware, que está abierto todo el año. Más de 10,000 residentes de Delaware reciben cobertura bajo la expansión de Medicaid cada año. Para ser evaluado o solicitar los beneficios de Medicaid, vaya a Delaware ASSIST.

Tanto el Mercado de Seguros Médicos como la expansión de Medicaid han ayudado a reducir la tasa de personas sin seguro de Delaware, decreciente del 10% en 2008 al 5.7% en 2021, según la Oficina del Censo. Esa disminución incluye a los residentes de Delaware que no pudieron obtener cobertura antes de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio debido a condiciones preexistentes.

Delawareans will find more choice in insurers and plans, and continuing enhanced federal subsidies to help with affordability; enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2023

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 1, 2022) – Coming off a record-breaking year for enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Delawareans seeking coverage for 2023 will find more choice in insurers and plans than ever before, and continue to find enhanced federal subsidies, which began last year under the Biden administration. The subsidies have helped to reduce consumer costs by as much as 40%.

The marketplace’s 10th open enrollment period started today, Nov. 1, and ends Jan. 15, 2023, at www.HealthCare.gov, where consumers can renew existing coverage or sign up for a new plan. 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, 2023, cannot get coverage for 2023 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.

This year, Delawareans will have three insurers to choose from vs. only one last year, and a total of 30 plans, the highest total in the 10 years of the marketplace. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced in June that two new insurers – AmeriHealth Caritas (four plans) and Aetna CVS Health (nine plans) – would join Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (17 plan options) in offering coverage on the marketplace for 2023.

In September, Commissioner Navarro announced that Highmark’s rates would increase 5.5% on average. The overall stability of Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace reflects continued federal approval of Delaware’s reinsurance program. The program has lowered health insurance premiums for plans sold in the individual insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost health care claims through a fund that uses a mix of federal funding and assessments collected by the Delaware Department of Insurance from health insurance carriers. Because the insurers’ claims costs are lower, the insurers can reduce the cost of premiums or limit increases.

During last year’s open enrollment, a total of 32,113 Delawareans enrolled for 2022 coverage on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, an increase of 26.8% over the previous year.

“All Delaware families need access to affordable, quality health care,” said Governor John Carney. “There are more plans to choose from this year, which will help to make coverage even more affordable. I encourage all Delawareans to look through your options, especially small-business owners, independent contractors and individuals who don’t have access to health insurance through an employer. It’s important we prioritize our health.”

In 2021, the Biden administration made expanding access to health insurance and affordability a priority through the American Rescue Plan Act, which increased tax credits and expanded subsidies into the middle class. This year, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act continued those enhanced benefits through 2025. For instance, a family of four (both parents in their 40s) making $50,000 are eligible for a credit of roughly $16,000, compared with $14,300 previously.

In addition, the federal government earlier this month changed the way that the affordability of employer coverage is determined for members of an employee’s family, the so-called “family glitch.” Starting in 2023, family members of a person who is offered employer-based coverage that is “affordable” for the employee only and not the whole family, may be eligible for tax credits on the marketplace for the first time. This change will help more consumers qualify for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through a marketplace plan.

Federal tax credits are available for those whose household income is between 138% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2023 coverage, that’s between $18,754 and $54,360 for an individual, or between $38,295 and $111,000 for a family of four. For coverage in 2022, about 89% of enrollees in Delaware were eligible for tax credits, which help reduce the cost of the monthly premium.

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. In Delaware, about 23% of current enrollees qualified for cost-sharing reductions. For any marketplace plan in 2023, individual consumers can’t pay more than $9,100 in out-of-pocket medical costs and families can’t pay more than $18,200.

For 2023:

• Highmark will offer 17 plans for individuals – three platinum plans, six gold, three silver, four bronze and one catastrophic.
• Aetna CVS Health will offer nine plans – two gold, four silver and three bronze.
• AmeriHealth Caritas will offer four plans – one gold, one silver and two bronze.
• Two dental insurers – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc. – will offer a collective 13 stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace, seven with a low actuarial level (pay less monthly, but more when you get dental services) and six with a high actuarial level (pay more monthly, but less when you get dental care).

All plans 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, and COVID-19 vaccines, including the new bivalent booster. In addition, coverage cannot be terminated due to a change in health status, including diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.

“As we enter the 10th year of open enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, we are grateful for the important role that marketplace plans are playing in improving access to high-quality and affordable health care,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “And we appreciate the stability that the Biden administration, our congressional delegation, the Insurance Commissioner and our own reinsurance program have all brought to the marketplace. I urge everyone to take another look at the affordability of the plans on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace and look at how the coverage can fit into your family’s budget.”

“Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace is more successful than ever before with steady rates, enhanced subsidies, and enrollment at an all-time high,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “I am so proud that going into 2023, consumers will also benefit from the most competition our state has seen, with three insurers and 30 plan options to choose from.”

Assistance for Delaware enrollees

Consumers can go to HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov now to explore their options for 2023 coverage, and they can enroll anytime between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15, 2023.

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 Quality Insights, Inc., (New Castle and Sussex counties) and by certified application counselors at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington and La Red Health Center in Georgetown. Westside and Quality Insights each 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.

For more information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com. You can enroll in marketplace coverage at HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

• About 89% of Delaware’s marketplace enrollees received financial assistance in 2022 to help pay their monthly premiums and/or deductibles and co-pays.
• The overall average monthly premium in Delaware is $706, with the average premium reduced to $169 per month after tax credit. For the 89% of Delawareans who received financial assistance, the average premium after tax credit is $114 per month.
• Among the 32,113 people who signed up during last year’s open enrollment, about 78% were re-enrollees and 22% were new enrollees.
• Financial help is available for individuals with annual incomes up to $54,360; for a family of four the income limit is $111,000.
• About 62% of Delaware’s enrollees signed up during the three weeks before Dec. 15, 2021.

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.

“I am proud that we were able to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and make health insurance more affordable for Americans through 2025 with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Now in its 10th year, the marketplace is more affordable than ever, and Delawareans have more options than before. I encourage everyone to visit HealthCare.gov or seek free help from our many health insurance navigators and get covered without delay!”

“As we go into the 10th year of open enrollment, it’s clear that the Affordable Care Act has enabled Delawareans to access quality, affordable health insurance through the insurance marketplace,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “Just this year, my colleagues and I were able to extend critical subsidies for this program through the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure that more families can pay for the health insurance they need without breaking the bank. Starting today, Delawareans have more options than ever before to protect themselves and their families, and they should visit HealthCare.gov to sign up for or change their insurance before January 15.”

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to quality, affordable health insurance has never been more important. That’s why I voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act in August which extends ACA subsidies, reducing the cost of health care for Delawareans enrolled in health care coverage through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace,” said U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “And this year, Delawareans have more options than ever before to find an affordable plan that works best for them and their families. I’m glad to join my colleagues – Senator Carper and Senator Coons – as well as Insurance Commissioner Navarro to announce that today, November 1st, marks the beginning of the open enrollment period for Delawareans to sign up for health care coverage through the marketplace. Delawareans have until January 15, 2023, to review their current plans, enroll in a new plan, or get more information at HealthCare.gov. Don’t miss the chance to get covered!”

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some residents might be eligible for coverage through Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans receive coverage under the Medicaid expansion each year. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

Both the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Medicaid expansion have helped to reduce Delaware’s uninsured rate, decreasing from 10% in 2008 to 5.7% in 2021, according to the Census Bureau. That decline includes Delawareans who could not get coverage before the Affordable Care Act because of pre-existing conditions.

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 26, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for October to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Benefits will be issued as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and two cash assistance programs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA). The SNAP emergency food benefit will be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Thursday, Oct. 27. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Thursday, Oct. 27.

All households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

• SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
• SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
• SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families will increase a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of October are not eligible for the October emergency cash funds.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.

“These monthly emergency benefits have been critical for the many individuals and families in Delaware who have experienced economic struggles and health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline in Delaware, we do expect these enhanced benefits to end in the coming months, and we encourage Delaware residents who have relied on these additional funds each month to prepare for that day. We continue to be thankful to the federal government and our congressional delegation for making these necessary resources available to those most in need in our state.”

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $181 in emergency benefits ($281 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).
Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

An estimated 59,000 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in October, totaling about $11.9 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

General Assistance (GA)

An estimated 180 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in October, totaling about $24,000 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for October on the usual issuance dates.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to the division’s webpage. To screen for and apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212.