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Get More From a Medicare Advantage Plan
An alternative to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans can be beneficial to many. Let SelectQuote help you decide if a Medicare Advantage plan would be a good fit for your needs. There’s no obligation to enroll.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Delaware (DE) for 2026
Delaware offers diverse Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan options, with an average monthly plan premium of $17.11 in 2026. These plans provide an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, bundling hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) with additional coverages like prescription drug (Part D) coverage into a single plan.
Key Delaware Medicare Plan Takeaways
Total Medicare Enrollment: Approximately 249,786 individuals are enrolled in Medicare in Delaware.
Declining Premiums: The average monthly MA premium in Delaware has decreased to $17.11 for 2026.
Plan Options: Residents have access to 37 Medicare Advantage plans in 2026.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan in Delaware?
If your current healthcare coverage no longer feels like a good fit—whether due to rising out-of-pocket expenses, network boundaries, or a lack of predictable copays—a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) offers an alternative way to receive your benefits. Provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, these plans offer an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) by bundling hospital and medical insurance with additional routine benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage, into a single plan.
Additional information and support for Medicare beneficiaries in Delaware are available through the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau, which provides free insurance counseling to state residents eligible for Medicare.
Popular Medicare Advantage Carriers Available in Delaware
All Medicare Advantage plans are rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on a five-star quality scale that evaluates factors like member experience, service quality, and health outcomes. These ratings and plan availability can differ by local provider and location within Delaware.
Carrier Name | Common Plan Types Offered in DE | Highest 2026 CMS Star Rating (DE) |
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) | HMO-POS, PPO, C-SNP | Up to 5.0 Stars |
Aetna Medicare | HMO, PPO, C-SNP | Up to 5.0 Stars |
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield | PPO | Up to 4.9 Stars |
Humana | PPO | Up to 4.6 Stars |
Cigna HealthCare | HMO, PPO, C-SNP | Up to 4.2 Stars |
Wellcare | HMO-POS | Up to 4.0 Stars |
Source: CMS Part C and D Performance Data
Plan Availability by Top Delaware Counties
While Medicare is a nationwide federal program, private Medicare Advantage plans operate at the local level. Networks, benefits, and premium structures vary by county. As a result, the coverage options available in northern Delaware can look completely different from those in the southern part of the state.
Delaware’s three most populous counties offer varying plan landscapes based on local hospital and provider networks:
New Castle County: As Delaware’s most densely populated region (encompassing Wilmington and Newark), residents typically have access to a selection of options. Networks are built densely around major local systems like ChristianaCare, creating competitive cost structures, premium options, and additional wellness benefits.
Sussex County: Covering the southern coastal portion of the state, Sussex County features tailored health plan choices. Because of the growing retiree population along the shore, insurance networks work closely with regional providers such as Beebe Healthcare and TidalHealth to blend local access to care with supplemental lifestyle benefits.
Kent County: Centered around Dover, Kent County features stable Medicare Advantage plan options. The local healthcare landscape leverages local networks like Bayhealth, resulting in a balanced mix of HMO, PPO, and flexible network options designed to serve the central capital region.
Because carrier networks, monthly premiums, and extra benefits like dental or vision perks vary drastically by zip code, it is essential to compare options using your exact address. This helps ensure your preferred local doctors, hospitals, and specific prescription medications are covered by a plan's regional network rules.
Disclaimer: Medicare Advantage plan availability, premiums, and provider networks in Delaware vary by county and ZIP code. County-level descriptions are based on general Medicare market trends, population distribution, and typical rural vs. urban plan availability patterns. Actual plan options and benefits are determined by each insurance carrier and may change annually.
2026 Delaware Medicare Enrollment Periods
Timing is everything when it comes to your healthcare, and knowing when you can sign up or change your coverage is the best way to avoid stress. To help you plan ahead, here are the official enrollment windows Delaware residents should know:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): If you are turning 65, this is your first opportunity to enroll in a Medicare plan. This seven-month window starts three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends for three months after.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Running from October 15 to December 7 each year, this is the main window for existing beneficiaries to alter their coverage for the upcoming year. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or return to Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Dedicated exclusively to those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1, this window runs from January 1 to March 31. It allows for a one-time change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or a return to Original Medicare (with the option to add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan).
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If you experience a qualifying life event, an SEP allows you to join or switch plans mid-year outside standard windows. Common local triggers for Delaware residents include moving out of your plan's service area (such as moving from New Castle County down to Sussex County), losing credible health coverage from an employer or union, or becoming newly eligible for Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Part C plan options in Delaware for 2026?
For 2026, Delaware residents have access to 37 different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. These options include HMOs, PPOs, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) from recognized national carriers, with average monthly premiums of $17.11 statewide.
What is a Delaware Medicare Advantage plan vs. a Medigap plan in 2026?
Medicare Advantage plans in Delaware offer an alternative to Original Medicare, offering the same coverage as Parts A and B but often with additional routine benefits. Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (also known as Medigap) offer standardized premiums and the freedom to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare. You cannot be enrolled in a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
Is a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan right for me in Delaware?
A $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan in Delaware can be a cost-effective option for relatively healthy individuals seeking lower fixed monthly costs. However, they may have higher copays for specialist visits or hospital stays than a higher-premium plan. Even if you enroll in a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your standard Medicare Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026).
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Delaware
While Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare, they aren't the right choice for everyone’s lifestyle and healthcare coverage needs. If you prefer a plan with no network restrictions, keeping Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (also known as Medigap) may be a better fit. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans do not restrict you to specific doctor networks or require insurance referrals—you can see any provider across the country who accepts Original Medicare. Be aware that you can’t be enrolled in a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. You must choose one or the other.
Learn more about Medicare Supplement plans in Delaware.
Why choose SelectQuote for Delaware Medicare plans?
With over 40 years of experience and millions of people served, you can feel confident in our ability to find you the right Medicare coverage. Our licensed insurance agents take the guesswork out of your hands by quickly and easily comparing available plans from recognized carriers. We handle the heavy lifting so you can secure a plan that aligns with your preferred doctors, neighborhood pharmacies, and hospital networks.
Our dedication to providing transparent, unbiased healthcare comparisons is backed by national ratings and positive consumer feedback.
Trustpilot Score: We maintain an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot based on more than 17,000 independent customer reviews, with users frequently praising our agents' clear explanations and the hassle-free enrollment process.
Better Business Bureau Rating: SelectQuote holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for our long-term commitment to operational standards and customer care.
Localized Experience: Delaware seniors appreciate our targeted approach to local coverage variations. We help you navigate specialized regional networks while keeping you informed about changes in plan availability and network structures.
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