Delaware Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Delaware.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)
Processing Time
30-45 days standard; no waiting lists for LTCCS program
Delaware Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Delaware, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Delaware follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,485/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$4,970/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Delaware Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $12,349/month average (semi-private), $12,699/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Delaware).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Delaware
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Delaware once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $12,349/month average (semi-private), $12,699/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
LTCCS Assisted Living Services: Through the Long-Term Care Community Services Program, Delaware Medicaid pays for medical and personal care services for individuals living in assisted living facilities. However, the program does not cover room and board costs in assisted living. No waiting lists due to lack of enrollment caps.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Delaware offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Long-Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) Program
Delaware's managed care system provides long-term care services at home, adult day care, rest residential care homes (adult foster care), and in assisted living. Key advantage: no enrollment caps or waiting lists. Services include adult day care, meal delivery, minor home modifications, respite care, personal emergency response systems, housekeeping, and specialized medical equipment.
Program Details →Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP-Plus)
Comprehensive managed care program for individuals age 65+, physically disabled, or with specific diagnoses. Provides medical benefits, dental, behavioral health, nursing facility care, and home/community-based services. Includes both Nursing Facility Program and LTCCS Program.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Delaware
Delaware Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days standard; no waiting lists for LTCCS program. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Delaware through:
- Online at Delaware ASSIST portal
- Mail application to DMMA office
- In-person at Division of Social Services office
- Call 1-800-372-2022 for application assistance
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Delaware from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Delaware-Specific Programs and Resources
Long-Term Care Central Intake Unit
Specialized intake for long-term care applications providing assessment and streamlined enrollment. Call 1-866-940-8963 for long-term care specific assistance.
Learn MoreDelaware Prescription Assistance Programs
Pharmacy assistance through Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP), Delaware Cancer Treatment Program (DCTP), and Medicaid Fee for Service pharmacy benefits. Call 1-844-245-9580 for pharmacy questions.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Delaware Medicaid?
Contact Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-800-372-2022Application Helpline
1-800-372-2022