Delaware CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
Updated August 2026
The Delaware Healthy Children Program (DHCP) covers children up to age 19 whose family income is above the standard Medicaid limit but at or below 212% FPL. Per the 2026 DMMA income table, the monthly income limit is $2,820 for a household of 1 and $5,830 for a household of 4.
212% FPL
DHCP income limit
Delaware Healthy Children Program
Delaware's CHIP program name
(866) 843-7212
ASSIST customer relations phone
CHIP and Medicaid income ranges overlap — apply regardless
If you're not sure whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, apply anyway. The eligibility system determines which program applies based on your income. A child who earns out of Medicaid may qualify for CHIP, and vice versa. Don't let uncertainty about which program applies prevent you from applying.
Who qualifies for the Delaware Healthy Children Program
DHCP covers uninsured children under 19 whose household income falls between the standard Medicaid threshold and 212% FPL. A single ASSIST application determines whether a child qualifies for Delaware Medicaid or DHCP — the system evaluates household income automatically.
- Child must be under age 19
- Family income at or below 212% FPL
- Monthly income limit: $2,820 for household of 1; $5,830 for household of 4 (2026 DMMA table)
- Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualifying immigrant
- Child must reside in Delaware
- Child must not have access to affordable employer-sponsored coverage
- Child must not be a dependent of a permanent State of Delaware employee (federal CHIP funds cannot cover state employees' dependents, though these children may qualify for Delaware Medicaid instead)
DHCP benefits and cost-sharing
DHCP provides comprehensive coverage for enrolled children through Delaware's three contracted managed care plans — AmeriHealth Caritas, Delaware First Health, and Highmark Health Options. The benefit package is equivalent to the EPSDT children's benefit.
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits and specialist referrals
- Prescriptions
- Emergency and urgent care
- Inpatient hospital care
- Mental health and substance use services
- Dental care (comprehensive EPSDT scope)
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
As of July 1, 2024, Delaware no longer requires DHCP members to pay monthly premiums. Children enrolled in DHCP also have no copays for medical services or prescriptions, except for a non-emergency visit to a hospital emergency room, per the Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance.
How to apply for DHCP
Apply through ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov. A single ASSIST application screens for both Delaware Medicaid and DHCP. You can also apply by calling Customer Relations at (866) 843-7212 or visiting a DHSS office. Applications are processed within 45 days under federal rules.
After your child is enrolled, you'll choose from Delaware's three managed care plans — AmeriHealth Caritas, Delaware First Health, and Highmark Health Options. Contact the Delaware Healthy Children Program at (800) 996-9969 if you have questions about choosing between the MCOs.
Delaware Medicaid vs. DHCP: income limits side by side
Children at or below 133% FPL qualify for Delaware Medicaid (no premium). Children above 133% FPL and at or below 212% FPL qualify for DHCP (with modest cost-sharing).
| Program | FPL % | Monthly limit (hh of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Medicaid (children) | 133% FPL | $3,658/mo |
| Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP) | 212% FPL | $5,830/mo |
Delaware Medicaid (children)
- FPL %
- 133% FPL
- Monthly limit (hh of 4)
- $3,658/mo
Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP)
- FPL %
- 212% FPL
- Monthly limit (hh of 4)
- $5,830/mo
What CHIP is
CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.
CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families.
Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data. In most states, it is a seamless part of the broader children's health coverage system alongside Medicaid.
Delaware Medicaid
- ASSIST Customer Relations: (866) 843-7212
- Apply for DHCP: assist.dhss.delaware.gov
- DHCP Health Benefits Manager: (800) 996-9969
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