Key takeaways

  • Delaware offers a range of Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans, allowing residents to choose the coverage that best fits their needs.
  • Medicare eligibility in Delaware extends to individuals 65 and older, as well as those under 65 with specific conditions like end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or those receiving Social Security benefits for 24 months.
  • Delaware residents have access to resources like the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau and Medicare.gov to help navigate their Medicare options and find financial assistance if needed.

Medicare is government-managed health insurance that you can get when you turn age 65. Medicare in Delaware is also available to people under age 65 who meet certain criteria.

Let’s explore more about your Medicare options and how to enroll in Delaware.

Snapshot of Medicare in Delaware

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Delaware for the 2026 plan year:

  • There are 249,786 individuals enrolled in Medicare in Delaware.
  • The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage is set to decrease in 2026 to $17.11 from $17.16 in 2025.
  • Residents of Delaware have access to 37 Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, compared to 35 in 2025.
  • All individuals who are eligible for Medicare have access to Medicare Advantage plans, including ones with $0 monthly premiums.
  • There are 10 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans available in Delaware in 2026.
  • Everyone in Delaware with a stand-alone Part D plan has access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2025.
  • Around 18.5% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan receive Extra Help.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and parts cover various aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Part D is also provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and covers prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare, you can enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Delaware, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 years if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31 if you already have Medicare Advantage.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The following resources in Delaware can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

More than 240,000 Delaware residents are enrolled in Medicare. Several private insurance companies offer various types of Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans throughout the state.

Overall, monthly premium costs have decreased for 2026 Medicare Advantage plans in Delaware.