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By Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

Delaware open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15 if you want coverage to start January 1. Ambetter is leaving the Delaware Marketplace for 2027, so two insurers remain. Delaware approved increases of 17.2% for Highmark and about 13.9% for AmeriHealth Caritas.

This guide covers the key dates, which insurers are selling plans in Delaware for 2027, how much rates are changing and how to keep your costs down. For free help comparing plans, call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031.

Key Takeaways
  • Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage, or by January 15 for February 1 coverage.
  • Two insurers sell 2027 Marketplace plans in Delaware: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AmeriHealth Caritas.
  • Ambetter Health of Delaware is leaving the Marketplace.
  • Delaware approved an average increase of 17.2% for Highmark (it asked for 20.2%) and about 13.9% for AmeriHealth Caritas.
  • Delaware expanded Medicaid.

Key Dates for Delaware Open Enrollment

DateWhat happens
November 1, 2026Open enrollment starts on HealthCare.gov
December 15, 2026Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1, 2027
January 15, 2027Open enrollment ends. Plans picked by this date start February 1
After January 15You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period

If you have a plan now and do nothing, HealthCare.gov may automatically renew you into the same or a similar plan. Auto-renewal can cost you money when rates and subsidies change, so compare before December 15.

Which Insurers Sell Plans in Delaware for 2027?

The Delaware Department of Insurance approved these 2027 rates, before subsidies:

Insurer2027 statusApproved average rate change
Highmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldReturning17.2%
AmeriHealth CaritasReturningAbout 13.9%
Ambetter Health of DelawareLeaving the MarketplaceNot applicable

Plan choices vary by county. Enter your ZIP code on HealthCare.gov, or call 888-730-6031, to see which insurers serve your area.

How Much Are Rates Going Up in Delaware?

Delaware regulators trimmed Highmark's request from 20.2% to 17.2%. AmeriHealth Caritas received about 13.9%. Highmark also offers a catastrophic plan that includes three primary care visits.

About 36,282 Delawareans had Marketplace coverage in early 2026. Ambetter members should choose a new plan by December 15. See our guide for Ambetter members.

How Subsidies Work in Delaware for 2027

The enhanced federal subsidies that were in place from 2021 through 2025 expired. For 2027, premium tax credits are available to households with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level that do not have access to affordable employer coverage. Above 400%, there is no subsidy.

Your subsidy is tied to the cost of the second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area. When that benchmark plan goes up, your subsidy usually goes up too. People who earn too much for a subsidy pay the full increase.

If your income is near the 400% line, small changes can make a big difference. See our guide to the ACA subsidy cliff.

Medicaid in Delaware

Delaware expanded Medicaid. Adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can generally qualify. Federal work requirements for many expansion adults start in 2027.

See our Delaware health insurance page.

Get Free Help Before December 15

A licensed Vivna agent can compare every Delaware Marketplace plan in your ZIP code, check your subsidy and help you switch if your insurer is leaving. Call 888-730-6031 or request a free quote.

How to Enroll in Delaware

  • Gather your information: household members, Social Security numbers, income estimate for 2027 and current coverage details.
  • Estimate your 2027 income carefully. Your subsidy is based on it, and you reconcile it at tax time.
  • Compare plans: look at premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, networks and drug lists, not just the monthly price.
  • Check your doctors and prescriptions in each plan's network and formulary.
  • Enroll on HealthCare.gov or with a licensed agent at no extra cost.
  • Pay your first premium to start coverage.

Ways to Lower Your Costs in Delaware

Missed Open Enrollment in Delaware?

After January 15, you can only enroll in a Marketplace plan if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. See how to buy health insurance after open enrollment.

Delaware Open Enrollment: FAQ

When is open enrollment in Delaware for 2027?

November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.

How many insurers sell Marketplace plans in Delaware for 2027?

Two: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and AmeriHealth Caritas. Ambetter is leaving.

Are Delaware health insurance premiums going up in 2027?

Yes. Approved increases are 17.2% for Highmark and about 13.9% for AmeriHealth Caritas before subsidies.

Can I get a subsidy in Delaware?

Yes, if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level and you do not have affordable employer coverage.

What if I miss the deadline?

You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period. Otherwise, you wait until the next open enrollment.

Next Steps for Delaware open enrollment

Review your 2027 options before December 15, especially if your insurer is leaving or your rate is going up. See our national guide to open enrollment deadlines by state.

Want a licensed agent to help? Call 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, or request a free quote.

Sources

  1. Delaware News: 2027 Marketplace health insurance rates
  2. healthinsurance.org: Delaware Marketplace
  3. HealthCare.gov

Related Guides

Michael Sprague, licensed health insurance agent at Vivna Insurance

About the author: Michael Sprague

Michael co-founded Vivna Insurance, a licensed independent agency in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He has worked in health insurance sales for more than a decade. Today, he helps Florida families and self-employed clients compare marketplace, short-term and supplemental plans. Licensed health insurance agent, Vivna Insurance (Agency NPN 19168641). Call 888-730-6031.

Reviewed by Heather Sprague, licensed health insurance agent.

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Coverage options, deadlines and costs vary by plan and state.

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