Medicare in Delaware serves about 230,000 beneficiaries, with 43% enrolled in Medicare Advantage and the remainder on Original Medicare + Medigap. Average Medigap Plan G premium for a new 65-year-old enrollee: $152/mo. Stand-alone Part D plans average $44/mo.
Medicare Beneficiaries
230,000
Age 65+ and disabled
MA Enrollment
43%
% on Medicare Advantage
Avg Medigap Plan G
$152/mo
New enrollee, age 65
| Topic | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plans available | 25+ | Varies by county; check medicare.gov plan finder |
| Top MA carriers | UnitedHealthcare, Aetna/CVS, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware | Networks differ by county |
| Stand-alone Part D | $44/mo | Required if you have Original Medicare + Medigap |
| Annual guaranteed-issue Medigap switching | No (one-time 6-month window at 65) | Delaware is part of the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington metro area, making cross-state coverage particularly relevant; no state annual GI rights. |
Medigap premiums vary by carrier, age, and ZIP code. The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90/month and Part B deductible is $283. Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 in 2026.
Delaware is a small state with a Medicare market heavily influenced by its proximity to Philadelphia and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. Christiana Care Health System (now ChristianaCare) is Delaware's dominant hospital network and participates across most major MA plans. Beneficiaries in northern Delaware near Wilmington often have access to Pennsylvania-based health systems like Jefferson Health and Penn Medicine, making cross-border provider access an important consideration. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware holds a strong local market position, and UnitedHealthcare and Aetna compete aggressively in New Castle County.
Delaware's Medicare Advantage penetration of about 43% is somewhat below the national average, partly because the state's senior population is affluent enough to value the flexibility of Original Medicare with Medigap. Plan G premiums average around $152/month — moderate for the region. Delaware has no state-level annual Medigap switching protections, so the initial 6-month open enrollment window at 65 is critical. The state's low taxes and favorable retirement environment relative to neighboring Maryland and New Jersey attract retirees, creating a steady inflow of new Medicare beneficiaries. Sussex County's coastal communities (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes) have seen significant retiree growth.
In Delaware, traditional Medicare combined with a Medigap supplement (typically Plan G or N) plus a stand-alone Part D plan provides nationwide access with predictable costs. Plan G covers everything except the $283 Part B deductible.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans bundle Medicare Parts A, B, and usually D into one private plan, often with $0 premium beyond Part B. Trade-offs include network restrictions and prior authorization. 43% of Delaware beneficiaries currently choose MA.
Delaware is part of the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington metro area, making cross-state coverage particularly relevant; no state annual GI rights.
💡 Delaware Pro Tip
Delaware beneficiaries typically have access to 25 or more Medicare Advantage plans. New Castle County (Wilmington area) offers the most options, often 30+, while Kent and Sussex counties generally have 20 to 25 plans available. Some beneficiaries in northern Delaware can also access Pennsylvania-based plans.
The average Medigap Plan G premium for a 65-year-old in Delaware is approximately $152 per month. Carriers including Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, and Highmark operate in the state, and comparing quotes is advisable since premiums can vary by $30 to $50 per month for equivalent coverage.
Delaware does not have state-level annual guaranteed-issue protections for Medigap. Outside your initial 6-month open enrollment at 65 or a qualifying guaranteed-issue trigger event, carriers can apply medical underwriting. Delaware residents considering a switch should work with an independent broker to assess their options.
Beneficiary counts and MA enrollment percentages from CMS state-level Medicare data; premium averages from 2026 carrier rate filings for Delaware. Verify current plan costs at medicare.gov before enrolling.
Jennifer Walsh
Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed May 2026
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