Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Delaware, with the asset rules and application steps that apply there. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, or $2,434.80 a year, so a Medicare Savings Program can free up real money on a fixed income.
Updated October 18, 2026. The details for Delaware come from the official and legal aid sources listed at the bottom of this page. Confirm with your state Medicaid office before you apply.
| Program | Individual | Couple | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350/mo | $1,824/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB | $1,616/mo | $2,184/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
| QI-1 | $1,816/mo | $2,455/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Delaware uses the federal income limits, and the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) lists them in a brochure dated April 2026: $1,350 for QMB, $1,616 for SLMB and $1,816 for QI-1 for one person. The couple limits are $1,824, $2,184 and $2,455.
The brochure gives no asset limit for these three programs. It says only that your home and one vehicle are not counted as assets, and the only resource figures it prints are for Extra Help. NCOA's 2026 chart lists Delaware with no asset limit. Take that as a good sign, then ask the state to confirm it when you apply.
DMAB is a state program inside the Delaware Department of Insurance. It offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling, so you can call it before you apply and get help sorting out which program fits.
All three Medicare Savings Programs pay your Medicare Part B premium — currently one of the biggest fixed costs for anyone on a limited income. But they're not identical:
You qualify for whichever tier matches your income — you don't choose between them, and Medicaid determines the right one automatically based on what you report on your application.
Delaware's brochure lists no asset limit for QMB, SLMB or QI-1, and states that your home and one vehicle are not counted. NCOA agrees. Confirm with the state when you apply, because the brochure is not a legal rule.
MSP denials are appealable in every state — a common reason for denial is a paperwork gap (missing income verification, an asset statement not submitted) rather than a genuine eligibility mismatch. Most states give you a window of at least 30–90 days to request a fair hearing. If your income is only slightly over the limit, ask specifically about income disregards — several categories of income (like certain wage income or in-kind support) may not count the way you'd expect.
If you qualify for an MSP, it's worth checking these at the same time, since eligibility criteria often overlap:
Delaware's brochure does not say how far back coverage reaches, so ask when your first covered month will be. Under federal rules, QMB starts the month after approval, while SLMB and QI-1 can reimburse up to three months of Part B premiums already paid. If you are within a few months of turning 65 or newly enrolling in Medicare, apply for a Medicare Savings Program at the same time.
Does my Social Security count as income for this?
Yes — Social Security benefits count toward the income limit, though some states exclude a portion of earned income if you're still working part-time.
Can I qualify for Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes — MSP recipients are sometimes referred to as "dual eligible," and having both isn't unusual. Full Medicaid eligibility (beyond just MSP) depends on separate, typically lower income limits.
Will my MSP status change my Medicare coverage itself?
No — MSPs don't change what Medicare covers medically. They only affect who pays the premiums and cost-sharing amounts you'd otherwise owe out of pocket.
Does Delaware have an asset limit for Medicare Savings?
Delaware's April 2026 brochure lists none for QMB, SLMB or QI-1 and says your home and one vehicle are not counted. NCOA also lists no limit. Confirm when you apply.
Who can help me apply in Delaware?
The Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau at 302-674-7364 or 800-336-9500 offers free counseling and can help with applications.
What are Delaware's income limits?
Delaware uses the federal limits: $1,350, $1,616 and $1,816 a month for one person in 2026.
Phone: 302-674-7364
Toll free in Delaware: 800-336-9500
Website: insurance.delaware.gov/DMAB
Do I need to reapply every year?
Most states require an annual redetermination to confirm your income and (where applicable) assets still qualify — your state Medicaid agency will typically mail a renewal notice before your coverage would lapse. Losing MSP coverage because a renewal notice went to an old address is common and avoidable, so keep your contact information current with Medicaid.
What if my income changes partway through the year?
Report it. An increase that pushes you over the limit doesn't always mean immediate loss of coverage — some states have income disregards or grace periods — but not reporting a change can create a repayment obligation later. It's better to report and find out you still qualify than to stay quiet and risk a clawback.