- Overview Of Health Insurance In Delaware
- Finding Health Coverage In Delaware
- Delaware Medical Insurance Numbers
- Is Health Insurance Mandatory In Delaware?
Overview Of Health Insurance In Delaware
Delaware, nicknamed The First State for being the first to ratify the Constitution, is known for its rich history, the home of the log cabin, and its lack of national parks. As the very first state to be admitted to the Union, Delaware is one of the smallest in both size, ranking 45th, and population, coming in at number 49.
Overall, residents of The First State are fairly healthy, coming in at number 20 in the national health rankings. Although, there is always room for improvement, regardless of who you are. If you live in Delaware, here’s all you need to know about taking care of your healthcare needs.
Finding Health Coverage In Delaware
Health is about more than just watching what you eat and staying active, though both of those are important factors. What many people forget, or fail to realize is that health insurance plays a key role in your health and well-being as well.
Most people think health insurance is just for medical emergencies, and there to protect you from high medical bills, which is also true. However, health insurance is important in the sense that it gives you access to important things like preventive services and even a primary care physician who will help stay on top of all your healthcare needs. If you don’t have coverage, or looking to switch plans, here’s what you need to know to get started.
Delaware Open Enrollment Dates
Delaware is one of the many states that holds by the federal Open Enrollment Period established under the Affordable Care Act. Delaware is also a participant in the federal marketplace, meaning they chose not to create their own exchange for residents to enroll in coverage. As of now, the Delaware Open Enrollment Period runs through the following dates:
- November 1, 2018 - December 15, 2018
The health insurance marketplace is usually the first place you want to look when it comes to finding affordable health insurance in Delaware. For anyone living with pre-existing or chronic health conditions, the exchange is important because you will be guaranteed coverage, and also protected against higher pricing due to your medical history. The marketplace is also where you can apply and qualify for subsidized health insurance.
Delaware Health Insurance Quotes
While the health insurance marketplace is a great option for some, millions of Americans have found that they are being priced out. Essentially, unless you qualify for a subsidy, or need coverage for your pre-existing conditions, the health insurance marketplace may be too expensive for you. For that reason, there is a growing trend of individuals and families in Delaware turning to the private sector to find affordable medical insurance.
If you don’t know how to get started, FirstQuote Health is a great first stop. FirstQuote Health specializes in helping individuals and families find affordable and cheap health insurance in Delaware. By entering your zip code, you will be able to compare plans, pricing, and get quotes in the Delaware area. Start your search, and get covered as quickly as today.
Coverage From Delaware’s Best Health Insurance Companies
If you’re happy with your current coverage, or already have a provider in mind, then why not just skip the hassle of shopping around? If you already know what you want, then you can enroll directly with one of best health insurance companies in Delaware. Some of the most popular options for residents include:
- Carefirst
- Kaiser
- UnitedHealthcare
It’s important to note, that just because you recognize the name or brand of a health insurance company, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for you. Everyone’s healthcare needs are different, so what works for someone else may not work for you. It’s important to do your research to make sure that the plan you’re enrolling in is the right fit. A simple search will show you what current and past members have to say, or you can read more about companies with FirstQuote Health.
Delaware Medical Insurance Numbers
| Employer | Individual/Family | Medicaid | Medicare | Other Public | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47% | 4% | 22% | 16% | 2% | 9% |
Is Health Insurance Mandatory In Delaware?
No, starting in 2019, health insurance will no longer be mandatory in the state of Delaware. When the Affordable Care Act was passed by the President Obama, it included something known as the individual mandate. The individual mandate required all Americans to enroll in health insurance or face a penalty come tax season.
The mandate was controversial to say the least, which is why the GOP fought back. It didn’t take long after President Trump took office for him to sign an executive order eliminating the individual mandate, which was also an attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act. Some states decided to create their own version of the individual mandate, but Delaware was not one of those states.