About insurance
Health insurance is a way to pay for health care costs. It protects you from having to pay the full cost of medical services when you’re sick or hurt. Just as with other insurance, you typically choose a plan and pay a monthly rate (usually called a premium). In return, your health coverage provider agrees to pay a portion of your medical costs. Payments by your health insurance provider are typically based on discounts the provider negotiates with doctors and hospitals.
What’s covered
Your coverage gives you many important services that everyone needs. These services include the following:
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Outpatient care
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Emergency services
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Hospital services
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Maternity and newborn care
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Prescription drugs
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Laboratory services
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Preventive services such as shots and screenings
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Help with chronic diseases like diabetes
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Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
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Mental health and substance use disorder services
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Services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions
Are you eligible?
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You live in the United States.
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You are a U.S. citizen or national (or are lawfully present).
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You are not currently incarcerated.
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Your employer does not offer affordable health insurance.
If your employer offers health insurance, you should sign up through your employer. Or if you are not eligible for public coverage from Medicaid or Medicare, you can apply for coverage online through the individual Health Insurance Marketplace.
Are your children eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
CHIP was created to help states insure low-income children who are ineligible for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. In Delaware, CHIP is known as the Delaware Healthy Children Program.
A child may qualify under the Delaware Healthy Children Program if he or she:
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Does not have health insurance.
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Is under the age of 19 and resides in the state of Delaware.
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Is a U.S. citizen or legally residing non-citizen.
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Is not a dependent of a permanent State of Delaware employee.
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Meets income eligibility requirements based on the number of people in your family and your total income.
How the marketplace works
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1
You apply for health insurance online at the Health Insurance Marketplace .
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2
You compare the plans and choose the one that’s right for you.
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3
You tailor a plan to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Marketplace fast facts
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Preexisting conditions can’t keep you out
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Adult children up to age 26 can stay on their parents’ plan
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There are no dollar limits on lifetime benefits
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Hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and more are covered
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Dental care for children is available
