A guide for seniors, families & caregivers — Updated 2026
If you or a loved one is a senior living in Delaware and needs help paying for medical care, nursing home costs, or in-home support, Delaware Medicaid may be able to help. Known officially as the Diamond State Health Plan Plus and administered through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Medicaid provides essential coverage for low-income seniors who meet specific eligibility requirements. This guide breaks down who qualifies, what the income and asset limits are, and how to apply.
What Does Delaware Medicaid Cover for Seniors?
Delaware Medicaid covers a broad range of health and long-term care services for eligible seniors, including:
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- Doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care
- Prescription drug coverage
- Nursing facility (nursing home) care
- Home- and community-based services (HCBS) through waiver programs
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Vision and dental services (limited)
- Personal care and adult day health services
Seniors who need long-term care — either at home or in a facility — may qualify through specific Medicaid pathways designed for that purpose.
Delaware Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors
To qualify for Delaware Medicaid as a senior (age 65 or older), you generally must meet requirements in three areas: age/residency, income, and assets (resources).
Basic requirements include:
- Be age 65 or older (or blind or disabled)
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Be a resident of Delaware
- Meet income and asset limits based on the program you apply for
2026 Income Limits for Delaware Medicaid (Seniors)
Income limits vary depending on which Medicaid program a senior is applying for. Below are the key thresholds for 2026:
| Program | Individual Income Limit | Couple Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Medicaid (Aged, Blind & Disabled) | ~$943/month | ~$1,415/month |
| Medicaid for Nursing Home Care | $2,829/month | Assessed individually |
| HCBS Waiver (Home & Community-Based) | $2,829/month | Assessed individually |
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | ~$1,255/month | ~$1,704/month |
Note: Income limits are updated annually and may be adjusted. Always verify current figures with the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA).
Asset (Resource) Limits
In addition to income, Delaware Medicaid looks at your countable assets. For 2026, the general limits are:
- Individual: $2,000 in countable assets
- Married couple (both applying): $3,000 in countable assets
- Community spouse (when one partner needs nursing home care): May retain up to approximately $157,920 under spousal impoverishment protections
Exempt (non-countable) assets typically include your primary home (if a spouse or dependent lives there), one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements. A Medicaid planning professional can help you understand what counts.
Long-Term Care Medicaid in Delaware
Seniors who need nursing home care or wish to remain at home with assistance may apply through Delaware’s long-term care Medicaid programs. The Medicaid Long-Term Care program covers nursing facility stays, while the HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver helps seniors stay in their homes or community settings with personal care, meal delivery, and other supports.
To qualify for long-term care Medicaid, seniors must also meet a level of care requirement — meaning a doctor or assessor must confirm the need for nursing-level care.
How to Apply for Delaware Medicaid
- Gather your documents: Collect proof of age, identity, Delaware residency
Last Updated on 17 August 2026 by ingmin