Delaware is the second-smallest state in terms of area and among the nation’s top 10 least-populated states. Home to just under a million people, around 19.4% of the local population is made up of people aged 65 and above. 

At around $5,995 per month, assisted living in Delaware costs more than the national average. This median rate is also higher than in most nearby states. However, seniors may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover their costs of care. Medicaid may fund many services provided by assisted living facilities. Those qualified for Medicare would still benefit from assistance for physician visits and medications. Depending on individual circumstances, various benefits, insurance plans and other programs may help seniors pay for care costs. Additionally, Delaware has 0% sales tax, which may help retirees stretch their funds further.

This guide compares the costs of assisted living in Delaware with nearby states as well as for different locations and types of long-term care within the state. There’s an overview of financial assistance options and a list of useful resources as well.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Delaware?

Per the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost of assisted living in Delaware is $5,995. This is approximately $1,500 costlier than the national average of $4,500. At around $4,100 per month, seniors in Pennsylvania pay less for assisted living care. Rates in Maryland are also lower, with a monthly median of $4,900. With a monthly average of $5,948, costs in Washington, D.C. are similar to those in Delaware. In New Jersey, average fees increase to $6,495 per month.     

The Cost of Assisted Living in Delaware’s Top Cities 

In Delaware’s state capital of Dover, assisted living runs around $6,073 per month. Just over the southern border in Salisbury, Maryland, costs drop to $4,980. Average rates are also lower to the north in Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia, where seniors can expect to pay around $5,685 per month. To the east, median rates are higher in Vineland and Ocean City, New Jersey, where costs are $6,400 and $7,490, respectively. 

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care 

At around $5,995 per month, assisted living is a little costlier than in-home care options; homemaker and home health aide services each cost $5,339 on average per month. Adult day health care is the most affordable senior care option in Delaware, with a monthly median cost of $1,661. Providing the highest levels of care, nursing home facilities are the costliest option, with average rates of $12,273 per month for a semiprivate room. 

Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Assisted Living in Delaware?

For eligible seniors, Delaware Medicaid may provide direct partial funding for assisted living care via the Diamond State Health Plan – Plus (DHSP – Plus) program. A managed care program, DHSP – Plus replaced former Home and Community Based Services waivers. There are two parts to the DHSP – Plus program: the Nursing Facility Program and the Long Term Community Services (LTCCS) Program, the latter providing assistance for those who qualify in assisted living communities. While the LTCCS program covers many services, it does not include the cost of room and board in an assisted living facility. 

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Delaware 

Through a managed care system, Medicaid covers almost all necessary services for residents of assisted living facilities. Based on individual needs, services may include: 

• Assistance with daily activities and personal care
• Rehabilitative therapies
• Light nursing care
• Case management
• Transportation
• Assistive devices 

Accommodation and meal costs are not covered by Medicaid for those in assisted living communities. 

Eligibility for Medicaid in Delaware 

In Delaware, seniors must fulfill income and asset criteria to qualify for Medicaid. For single applicants, the maximum permitted annual income is $25,230, and they are subject to an asset cap of $2,000. For couples where both spouses apply for Medicaid, the income limit is doubled to $50,460 per year along with an increased asset limit of $3,000. Where only one spouse claims Medicaid, the applicant has the same restrictions as a single applicant, while their spouse can own assets up to $137,400.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Delaware  

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$25,230	$2,000
Two-Person Household(Only One Person Applying)	$25,230	$2,000 for applicant$137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household(Both People Applying)	$50,460	$3,000

*per year 

Further requirements also apply. Seniors must: 

• Be aged 65 or older, legally blind or disabled
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
• Live full-time in Delaware on a permanent basis
• Satisfy functional requirements for nursing home level of care 

Applying for Medicaid in Delaware 

The Delaware ASSIST portal provides a convenient way for individuals to apply for Medicaid, store their information and check the status of pending claims and any notices. Seniors can request a paper application be sent to their home address by calling (866) 843-7212. Completed forms may be returned either by post or by hand to local DSS offices. Individuals may also apply in person at the relevant DSS office. 

Before You Apply 

It’s important that applicants have all necessary documents and supporting evidence to accompany Medicaid claims. Without all relevant details, claims may be canceled or delayed. Information includes: 

• Social Security number
• Proof of identification
• Proof of citizenship status
• Proof of residency in Delaware
• Details of all income and assets
• Current bank statements
• Details of health insurance coverage 

Applicants for long-term care assistance will also need to undergo a medical assessment. 

Where to Go to Get Help 

Older adults and their loved ones can access Medicaid-related advice and assistance from several sources, with options for online, telephone and in-person help.

Resource	Contact	Service
Medicaid Customer Relations	(302) 571-4900	Trained telephone advisers offer general information about Medicaid and can assist seniors with understanding the application process and completing applications.
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center	(800) 223-9074	Acting as the first point of contact for older and disabled adults in Delaware, the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers diverse services and referrals. Free options counseling helps seniors navigate long-term care options and apply for relevant support and services, including Medicaid. Assistance is available over the phone between 8:00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on weekdays, or seniors can make an appointment for a home visit.
Division of Social Services	(866) 843-7212	Seniors may call the DSS Customer Relations Unit for telephone advice and assistance or visit their local DSS office for in-person guidance.

Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Assisted Living in Delaware?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Delaware. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not considered to be “clinical settings’ and so are not eligible for Medicare coverage. That being said, you can still use Medicare to cover the cost of approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc.

For more information about Medicare visit medicare.gov.

Are There Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Delaware?

	How to Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Apply online at va.gov.	If you are a veteran and you receive a VA pension, you may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit takes the form of a monthly cash allowance that you receive in addition to your standard pension. This benefit is used by veterans who need long-term care services, including care received at an assisted living facility.
Reverse Mortgages	Research and learn about the different types at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to access some of the equity in your home. Like traditional loans, reverse mortgages do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months, so seniors should carefully weigh this option alongside other financing methods.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn about how to receive LTC insurance benefits at acl.gov.	While those who currently need assisted living will typically not be eligible, if you purchased an LTC insurance policy in the past, you may be able to use it to help pay for assisted living. While most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, you still need to check the specific terms of your policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Delaware

Delaware seniors have various free and low-cost resources at their disposal, all geared toward helping older citizens maintain a good quality of life as they age. Resources include financial assistance, legal advice, benefits counseling, transportation and social opportunities. 

Resource	Contact	Service
Elder Law Program	New Castle County: (302) 575-0666Kent County:(302) 674-8500 Sussex County:(302) 856-0038	Operated by Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. the Elder Law Program is available to anyone aged 60 or above. Seniors can access free services by visiting or calling their county office, and the program regularly offers community workshops to highlight common legal issues faced by older adults. Areas of civil law covered include benefits issues, consumer affairs and powers of attorney.
Senior Medicare Patrol Program	New Castle County:(302) 255-9510Kent and Sussex counties:(302) 424-8654	Delaware’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program educates Medicare beneficiaries on possible fraud, scams and mistakes. Seniors can contact the program if they believe their billing information isn’t correct or if they suspect fraud or abuse. Older adults may also choose to train as a volunteer adviser to assist their peers.
Office of Veterans Services	(302) 739-2792	Senior men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces can contact the Office of Veterans Services to ensure they are receiving all benefits and support services they are entitled to. Officers can assist with eligibility checks, claims and appeals, and the department also provides information on Delaware veterans’ homes and the two state veterans’ cemeteries.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program	(800) 223-9074	Operated by the Delaware Health and Social Services Office of the Secretary, individuals can contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program via the ADRC. The program advocates for and protects the rights of those who live in long-term residential care facilities, such as assisted living communities. Ombudsmen investigate complaints about quality of care, service standards, abuse and neglect, and they help seniors and their family members resolve care-related issues.
AARP Delaware	(866) 227-7441	A national nonprofit membership organization, AARP has a local presence in Delaware. Its website features in-depth information and news on various aging-related topics, and the organization arranges local and virtual events, including social activities, workshops, special-interest lectures, movie screenings, cooking classes, fitness sessions and benefits advice.
Delaware Prescription Assistance Program	(844) 245-9580	The Delaware Prescription Assistance Program is a state-run program for low-income adults aged 65 or over or people with disabilities who do not receive Medicaid assistance. Eligible individuals can receive financial assistance to help them cover the costs of prescription drugs.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Delaware

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.delaware.gov and cdc.gov/coronavirus. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/3/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visiting Loved Ones

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?	Yes
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?	No
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?	Yes
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?	Yes
Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Outings and Group Activities

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?	Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?	Yes
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Safety Measures for Residents

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?	Yes
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?	No
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?	Yes
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Delaware

Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services Division of Health Care Quality is responsible for licensing and overseeing assisted living facilities. Strict rules and regulations govern facilities, and there are regular inspections to ensure compliance. The Division of Health Care Quality is also home to the electronic Background Check Center.