In addition to Silver plans, you can select from other metal tiers to find a plan that fits your preferred deductible, premium and maximum out-of-pocket limits. In Delaware, Highmark (BCBS) has the most affordable options for Catastrophic, Bronze, Gold and Platinum tier plans.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Delaware






Cheapest Health Insurance in Delaware by Metal Tier
Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 is the most affordable health insurance option in Delaware, with a monthly premium of around $542.
The cost of health insurance plans varies based on the metal tier. Tiers with more comprehensive coverage tend to have higher premiums.
MoneyGeek’s research found that Aetna and Highmark (BCBS) have the most affordable health insurance options in Delaware.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans for different metal tiers:
- Catastrophic: my Blue Access Major Events PPO Catastrophic 9100 - 3 Free PCP Visits (approximately $319 per month)
- Bronze: my Blue Access PPO Standard Bronze 9100 (approximately $403 per month)
- Expanded Bronze: Bronze: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 (approximately $403 per month)
- Silver: Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 (approximately $542 per month)
- Gold: my Blue Access PPO Standard Gold 2000 (approximately $528 per month)
- Platinum: my Blue Access PPO Platinum 0 (approximately $753 per month)
While more comprehensive metal tiers such as Gold and Silver plans may have higher premiums, they also come with lower out-of-pocket costs and increased benefits. This trade-off could be worth it if you frequently access medical services.
Health insurance plans are grouped into different metal tiers. More valuable metals cost more but have lower out-of-pocket expenses, and vice versa.
If you're young and healthy, you may want to consider plans from lower-value metal tiers to save money. If you have the means or anticipate frequent medical expenses, higher-value metal tiers are worthwhile.
Silver plans balance reasonably priced monthly premiums that lower your deductibles if you have a low income.
Resource: Learn more about metal tiers
Cheapest Silver Plans in Delaware
Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 is the cheapest Silver health plan in Delaware, with an average monthly premium of $542.
Here are the most affordable Silver plans in Delaware:
- Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 from Aetna: approximately $542 monthly
- Silver 3: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 from Aetna: approximately $549 monthly
- my Blue Access PPO Silver from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $553 monthly
Silver plans balance premium prices and MOOPs, making them the preferred choice among many individuals. In addition, the recommended plans in the table are all HMOs. This plan type, while not necessarily the cheapest, is the most accessible for residents of Delaware.
Cheapest Gold Plans in Delaware
In Delaware, the most affordable Gold plan is my Blue Access PPO Standard Gold 2000, costing roughly $528 monthly.
Here are the cheapest Gold plans in Delaware:
- my Blue Access PPO Standard Gold 2000 from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $528 per month
- my Blue Access PPO Gold 1700 HSA from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $534 per month
- AmeriHealth Caritas Next Gold + Free Telemedicine + Free Preventive Care + Healthy Rewards from AmeriHealth: approximately $541 per month
Gold plans are pricier than lower-value tiers but have lower MOOPs. While they feature higher premiums, they lower the amount you pay before your coverage kicks in.
Cheapest Bronze Plans in Delaware
The most economical Bronze plan in Delaware is my Blue Access PPO Standard Bronze 9100, with an average monthly premium of $403.
Here are the most cost-effective Bronze plans available in the state:
- my Blue Access PPO Standard Bronze 9100 from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $403 per month
- AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze + Free Telemedicine + Free Preventive Care + Healthy Rewards from AmeriHealth: Approximately $405 per month
Although Bronze plans have low monthly premiums, they come with high deductibles. You'll pay more out of pocket if you receive health care services with a Bronze plan.
Cheapest Expanded Bronze Plans in Delaware
Bronze: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 is the cheapest Expanded Bronze plan in Delaware, costing around $403 monthly.
The cheapest plans include:
- Bronze: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 from Aetna: approximately $403 monthly
- Bronze S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 from Aetna: approximately $409 monthly
- Bronze: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + Low-cost MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 from Aetna: approximately $425 monthly
Expanded Bronze plans offer some benefits before you meet your deductible, like coverage for one service. They do have copays.
Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Delaware
If you're searching for Catastrophic plans in Delaware, the most affordable option for a 26-year-old is my Blue Access Major Events PPO Catastrophic 9100 - 3 Free PCP Visits, with a monthly premium of approximately $256.
Catastrophic plans have low monthly premiums and very high deductibles. They provide an affordable way to obtain protection, but they are only available to individuals under 30 or those facing hardships.
Cheapest Platinum Plans in Delaware
The cheapest Platinum health insurance plan in Delaware is my Blue Access PPO Platinum 0 plan from Highmark (BCBS), costing around $753 monthly.
The top three cheapest Platinum plans in Delaware are:
- my Blue Access PPO Platinum 0 from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $753 monthly
- my Blue Access PPO Platinum 0 + Adult Dental and Vision from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $785 monthly
- my Blue Access PPO Standard Platinum 0 from Highmark (BCBS): approximately $790 monthly
Platinum plans have the highest premiums among the metal tiers but offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs. They’re a great choice if you frequently receive medical care.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Delaware for Those With Low Income
If your income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to lower your health insurance costs.
The Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 plan is the most affordable option in Delaware for low-income individuals, costing around $542 monthly.
The MOOP varies based on your income:
- Income lower than $20,385 annually: Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 ($1,800 MOOP)
- Income from $28,386 to $27,180 annually: Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 ($3,000 MOOP)
- Income from $27,181 to $47,565 annually: Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 ($7,200 MOOP)
The income limits only apply to individuals wanting Silver plans. They could be different if you live with others.
Cost-sharing reduction (CSR) plans do not lower your monthly premiums. They reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by covering a larger portion of your health care expenses and having lower deductibles, copays and maximum out-of-pocket payments (MOOPs) than other plans.
Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7 typically costs $542 per month, regardless of whether you choose the standard or the low-income plan. However, a standard plan has a MOOP of $8,900, while a low-income plan for someone with an income of $20,385 or less has a MOOP of $1,800.
The Cheapest Health Insurance in Delaware by Plan Type
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most prevalent type of health insurance plan in Delaware, but you can also find Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.
Our research found that the my Blue Access PPO Silver 5900 is the most affordable PPO in Delaware. This Highmark (BCBS) plan costs approximately $553 per month.
PPOs are usually more expensive compared to HMOs, but they provide more flexibility and a broader network. They also don’t require a referral if you’re looking to see a specialist.
When searching for health insurance in Delaware, you can choose between HMO plans (the most common) and PPO plans.
- HMO plans tend to be the most affordable but offer the least flexibility. Policyholders must receive care from providers within their network, with the exception of emergencies. To see a specialist, you need to obtain a referral from a primary care provider.
- PPO plans are more flexible than HMOs, but they also come with higher costs. They have a broader network of specialists and do not require a referral when seeing a specialist.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Delaware by County
The availability of certain types of insurance plans may vary in different regions of Delaware, and the cost of the most affordable plan can differ between counties.
For Silver plans in Delaware, this is not the case. The most affordable plan, Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 Telehealth 24/7, costs the same in both the largest county (New Castle) and the smallest (Kent), at an average of $542 per month.
The table below allows you to view your options in your specific county.
Health Insurance Costs in Delaware by Age and Metal Tier
Health insurance costs can vary greatly depending on the policyholder's preferred coverage and age.
On average, you’ll have to pay increased premiums if you want more coverage. Here are the average insurance prices for different metal tiers for a 40-year-old in Delaware:
- Catastrophic: approximately $319
- Bronze: approximately $808
- Expanded Bronze: approximately $872
- Silver: approximately $1,130
- Gold: approximately $1,155
- Platinum: approximately $776
Age also plays a role in the price of your health insurance. Since older individuals are more likely to use medical services, they are considered a higher risk to insure and are charged higher rates.
Here is the average cost of Silver plans in Delaware for different age groups:
- 26-year-old: approximately $905
- 40-year-old: approximately $1,130
- 60-year-old: approximately $2,399

What to Know About Delaware Health Insurance
MoneyGeek collected data from health insurance companies to find the most affordable options for Delaware residents. During open enrollment, you can review these plans and choose one that meets your needs.
It is worth considering if you qualify for government-run health insurance programs like Medicaid (for low-income individuals) and Medicare (for older adults or people with disabilities). These programs can be less expensive than standard health insurance plans.
Private Health Insurance in the Delaware Marketplace
The open enrollment period for private insurance plans typically runs from November 1 to January 15. During this time, buyers have the opportunity to purchase health insurance from the marketplace.
It's important to note that December 15 is the final day to enroll for coverage that will start on January 1.
If you missed the open enrollment period, you can still purchase private health insurance if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
These special periods are triggered by events such as marriage, relocation, loss of income, having a child and other life changes. Individuals usually have a window of 60 days before or after the event to apply for or make changes to their health insurance.
What Are Health Insurance Metal Tiers?
Health insurance plans in Delaware are divided into several metal tiers, including Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The lower the metal tier, the lower the monthly premium but the higher the out-of-pocket costs.
- Catastrophic plans tend to have the most affordable premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs. They are a good option if you're looking for the lowest rates, but you need to qualify by being under 30 years of age or having a hardship exemption.
- Bronze plans have lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs, making them suitable for relatively healthy individuals who expect to make fewer visits to doctors or specialists. They are not recommended for people with chronic health conditions.
- Expanded Bronze plans have slightly higher cost-sharing than Bronze plans but are still lower than Silver plans.
- Silver plans are the most popular option, with moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These plans offer the potential to reduce copays, co-insurance and deductibles with cost-sharing reductions for low-income individuals.
- Gold plans have higher premiums than Silver and Bronze plans, but they also feature lower out-of-pocket costs and more comprehensive benefits. This may work for you if you need frequent care.
- Platinum plans are the highest metal tier. Despite the high monthly premium, nearly all your health care services will be covered. These plans are ideal for individuals with substantial medical needs who are looking for comprehensive coverage.
Medicaid in Delaware
In Delaware, Medicaid is an affordable option for health insurance as it is a government-funded program that provides free medical coverage. Since Delaware has expanded its Medicaid, the sole eligibility criteria for the program is income. To qualify, your annual income should be below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Medicare in Delaware
If Medicaid is not available for you, see if Medicare is an option. To qualify for Medicare, you must be 65 years or older or have a disability or illness that meets the eligibility criteria.
Medicare requires payment for certain coverage but is generally more affordable than other plans.
Medicare is divided into three parts:
- Part A: covers inpatient care, such as hospital stays
- Part B: covers outpatient care and services, such as doctor visits and preventive services
- Part D: covers prescription drugs and vaccines
MoneyGeek revised our list of Delaware’s best Medicare Advantage plans and best Medicare Supplement plans.
Expert Tips on What to Know About Health Insurance in Delaware
- What factors should individuals and families in Delaware consider when selecting a plan with the lowest out-of-pocket maxes?
- Are Health Savings Accounts (HSA) a viable option for those looking for the cheapest coverage in Delaware?
- Are there any special considerations that should be taken into account when selecting a plan in Delaware for people with pre-existing conditions?
- In your view, what can be done to make health insurance more affordable in STA Delaware?

President of Diversified LLC
Delaware Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
MoneyGeek answered frequently asked questions about the cost and availability of different health insurance options in Delaware to help you find the right plan.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- HealthCare.gov. "Federal poverty level (FPL)." Accessed January 15, 2023.