Delaware Healthy Children Program (CHIP)
Last updated August 2026
The Delaware Healthy Children Program is the state's CHIP coverage for uninsured children under age 19 whose family earns a little too much for regular Medicaid. Apply online through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov, by mail, or in person at a State Service Center. To request application forms, call 1-800-996-9969.
The income line is generous. Children under 19 who live in Delaware qualify with family income up to 212 percent of the federal poverty level. For 2026 that is about $2,820 a month for a household of one, $3,824 for two, $4,827 for three, and $5,830 for four.
The cost changed for the better. As of July 1, 2024, Delaware no longer charges DHCP families a monthly premium. There is no monthly bill to keep coverage in place.
Copays are almost nonexistent too. Children in DHCP have no copays for medical services or prescriptions. The one exception is a non-emergency trip to a hospital emergency room, so use a doctor's office or urgent care for a problem that is not an emergency.
The coverage is broad. It includes well-child checkups, shots, prescription drugs, hospital care, and full dental care, with braces available for children who meet the program's rules. Application help is offered in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, and Arabic.
Do not leave a child uninsured while you sort out the paperwork. If your family income is above the Medicaid line but within the DHCP line, this is the program built for you, and 2-1-1 can find a clinic that will see your child in the meantime.
Phone 1-800-996-9969
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Uninsured children under age 19 who live in Delaware, are U.S. citizens or legally-residing noncitizens, and have family income at or below 212 percent of the federal poverty level
- Children who are dependents of permanent State of Delaware employees are not eligible
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov, by mail, or in person at a State Service Center.
- 2
Call 1-800-996-9969 if you need application forms mailed to you.
- 3
Check the 212 percent of poverty income line for your household size.
- 4
Provide proof of the child's citizenship or identity and your family income.
- 5
Ask for application help in your language if you need it.
What to have ready
- Proof of the child's identity and Delaware residency
- Proof of family income
- Citizenship or immigration documents for the child. The program confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for the Delaware Healthy Children Program?
Uninsured children under age 19 who live in Delaware, with family income up to 212 percent of poverty, which for 2026 is about $2,820 a month for a household of one and $5,830 for four.
Is there a monthly premium?
No. As of July 1, 2024, Delaware no longer charges DHCP families a monthly premium.
Are there copays?
Children have no copays for medical care or prescriptions. The one exception is a non-emergency visit to a hospital emergency room.
How do I apply?
Online through Delaware ASSIST at assist.dhss.delaware.gov, by mail, or in person. Call 1-800-996-9969 to request forms.
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