Delaware Health Insurance
Health insurance in Delaware is plagued with many issues as well as some common insect-spread diseases such as Lyme disease. The humid climate of the north eastern state also makes mold a concern, as well. But whatever the health concern is, all can agree on one important aspect of treating illness and disease; health insurance is absolutely critical when you are in need of medical assistance. The state of the current health care environment makes it impossible to go it alone… you need insurance to help you cover costs. Knowing the Delaware health insurance laws and programs can help you when you’re in the market for health insurance.
Health Insurance Law in Delaware
The U.S. Department of Labor runs and regulates all health insurance programs offered by employers through the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). The EBSA makes sure that employees in Delaware receive undiscriminated and fair health care. Mainly, the EBSA law states…
- Your employer cannot deny you coverage based on preexisting conditions, no matter how costly.
- That the Delaware COBRA health insurance laws (the laws that ensure your health insurance coverage when you leave your job) are followed by any company with over 20 employees.
- Private insurance agencies are not required to follow these policies. An insurance policy not offered through an employer can cancel their service for you at any time. They can also deny coverage if you suffer from costly or chronic conditions such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.
Health Insurance in Delaware if Your Employer Doesn’t Offer It
Unfortunately, not all residents of Delaware are offered health insurance policies. Whether you’re unemployed, self-employed, or your employer doesn’t give health coverage, there are programs available that offer affordable health coverage to those that qualify.
- Delaware Healthy Children
- The Delaware Healthy Children program offers Delaware health insurance to children under the age of 19 whose family falls within certain income brackets. Applicants cannot have comprehensive medical coverage and aren’t dependent on a State of Delaware employee.
- ELDERInfo Program
- The ELDERInfo Program gives counseling to Delaware residents that are on Medicare. The program gives beneficiaries one-on-one counseling and helps them navigate the complex drug prescription programs.
- Delaware Prescription Assistance Program
- The Delaware Prescription Assistance Program is available for the elderly and disabled residents of Delaware. To qualify, your income must be below 200% of poverty level or your prescription drug costs must be above 40% of your annual income.
- Delaware Medicaid
- As with all states, Delaware offers Medicaid to families that qualify for their assistance. In general, your income must be below 200% of poverty level. For more information, go to the Delaware Medicaid website by clicking on the link above.
More information on other Delaware health insurance programs can be found on the state of DE Insurance website.