Medicaid Application Instructions


To apply for Delaware Medicaid, you can do it online through the ASSIST website. It lets Delaware citizens and community-based organizations gain access to screen and apply for various medical programs in the state. You can use this tool to know if you may possibly qualify to receive Medicaid benefits by providing basic information. After applying online, a web page will appear that will tell you what documents you need to send by mail and the address where you have to send it.

The other way to apply for Medicaid is to get an Application for Health Insurance/Medicaid either by downloading it here (also available in Spanish version) or by requesting it from the Division of Social Services (DSS). You may call DMMA at 1-800-372-2022 or directly to the DSS at (302)255-9500. Staff members will assist you in learning more about the eligibility requirements for Medicaid and other programs. After that, they will mail you the necessary application forms and other information. Complete the form and submit it to the address provided. Click here for a list of all the mailing address and contact numbers of the different offices under DMMA.

Along with your application form, you must provide verification of the following:

  • Birthday (for newborn babies only)
  • Pregnancy (if applicable)
  • Income of family for one month (such as award letters and pay stubs)
  • Self employment (tax return of the previous year)
  • Citizenship or lawful alien status
  • Copy of Medicare card (if applicable)

Verifications of resources or assets (such as stocks, vehicles, bank accounts, and the like) are not required. There is no face-to-face interview necessary.

You must return the form within a period of 30 days from the date you asked for Medicaid. If you don't have all the necessary details, you should not wait to submit your application since it will still be reviewed; you will be informed if more information is needed.


Eligibility Requirements

Here are the basic qualifications you have to meet in order to qualify for the Medicaid program (there are other specific requirements depending on the programs such as age, disability, or pregnancy):

  • Must be a U.S. citizen, a legal alien, or a permanent resident
  • Must reside in the state of Delaware
  • Must meet the set income limits for a certain family size

You have to meet the citizenship and residency requirements to be able to get the full benefits of the Medicaid program in Delaware. Complete coverage for non-citizens depends on the available state funding, but they may be covered for emergency cases and labor & delivery services if they are within the income limits, regardless of whether they reside legally or not.

Income is money you acquire from working in a job, or given by someone, or benefits and checks that you receive (such as unemployment benefits, Social Security check, sick pay, retirement benefits, or child support). It is one of the most important factors in determining your eligibility for Medicaid. You must meet the set income limits to qualify for the program. The federal government sets these limits every year to identify the Federal Poverty Level or FPL for different household sizes. Generally, those who qualify to receive Medicaid benefits include:

  • Families with an income at or below 100% of the FPL
  • Children from one year old up to six years old in families with an income at or below 133% of the FPL
  • Infants below age one (1) and pregnant women in families with an income at or below 200% of the FPL - pregnant women are counted as two (or more) members in a household

Click here to view the tables for the different countable income limits for the year 2012. The tables also include the gross monthly income and the gross annual income for the various family sizes.