Delaware Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Delaware may be small in size, but it offers Medicare beneficiaries excellent healthcare options. With major cities like Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown, plus easy access to world-renowned medical centers in Philadelphia and Baltimore, Delaware residents have exceptional healthcare resources at their fingertips. That's where unbiased, fee-only guidance makes a difference.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in Delaware are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Delaware Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Delaware, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Delaware
Important Delaware Protection
Delaware follows standard federal Medigap rules with no birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue rights. Your best opportunity for Medigap coverage is during your initial 6-month Open Enrollment Period. Outside of this window, you may face medical underwriting unless you qualify for a special guaranteed issue situation.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Delaware
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Delaware, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | DE Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $120 - $240 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $90 - $180 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $150 - $290 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Delaware, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Delaware
For most Delaware residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Delaware Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Delaware has a competitive Medicare Advantage market, especially in the northern part of the state. But these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $90 - $290+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Delaware-Specific Medicare Considerations
Access to Major Medical Centers
One of Delaware's unique advantages is its proximity to world-class medical facilities. Delaware residents can easily access specialized care at hospitals in Philadelphia (less than an hour from Wilmington) or Baltimore. If you choose Medigap, you have complete freedom to see specialists at these major medical centers without network restrictions. Medicare Advantage plans may limit your access or require higher out-of-network costs.
Small State, Easy Access
Delaware's compact size means you're never far from quality healthcare. With Medigap, you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare throughout Delaware and neighboring states without worrying about networks. This flexibility is particularly valuable in Delaware, where many residents receive care in multiple states.
Delaware ELDERinfo Program
Delaware offers a free counseling program called ELDERinfo, the state's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). While ELDERinfo counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Delaware Tax Considerations
Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits and offers favorable tax treatment for other retirement income. However, Medicare premiums are not directly affected by state taxes. Both Medigap and Medicare Advantage premiums can be deducted if you itemize medical expenses on your federal taxes and meet the threshold requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions: Delaware Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Delaware does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue rights. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage or moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan's service area.
Medigap premiums in Delaware typically range from $90-$290+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location, gender, and tobacco use. Delaware generally has moderate Medigap rates comparable to other Mid-Atlantic states. Northern Delaware (Wilmington area) may have slightly different rates than southern Delaware.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. Delaware has many Part D options, and we can help you compare them based on your specific medications.
Yes. Medigap plans work anywhere in the United States with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. This is particularly valuable for Delaware residents who may receive care at medical centers in Philadelphia, Baltimore, or other nearby cities. Your Medigap coverage travels with you nationwide.