The Delaware Department of Insurance announced the finalized rates September 4 following a review of insurers’ filings by department staff, independent actuaries and the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery.
For Delaware residents planning a move to the state — particularly people who are self-employed, retiring before becoming eligible for Medicare, working independently or otherwise purchasing their own health coverage — the new rates could be an important consideration when developing a 2027 household budget.
Delaware’s 2027 Marketplace Rate Increases
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield initially requested an average 20.20% increase for its individual Marketplace plans. Following the state’s review, an average increase of 17.20% was approved, effective January 1, 2027.
Highmark plans to offer 16 comprehensive plans and one catastrophic plan. Available options include Health Savings Account offerings and plans with connected vision and adult dental coverage. The catastrophic option includes three primary care visits.
AmeriHealth Caritas will receive an average 13.94% increase after its rate filing was reviewed and adjusted through the state’s actuarial process. The insurer plans to offer nine Marketplace plans, which it promotes as not requiring referrals.
The increases apply specifically to the individual ACA Marketplace and corresponding ACA-compliant individual offerings. They do not apply to Medicare or Medicaid. Group insurance and other individual policies purchased outside HealthCare.gov are also outside the scope of the announced Marketplace rates.
Increases Are Smaller Than Delaware Saw for 2026
Although premiums are increasing again, the approved percentage increases for the two returning insurers are substantially lower than their increases entering 2026.
For 2026, Highmark received an average 25% increase, compared with 17.2% for 2027. AmeriHealth Caritas received an average 34.98% increase for 2026, compared with 13.94% for 2027.
That does not mean individual consumers’ premiums will necessarily change by exactly those percentages. Actual costs can vary based on the specific plan selected, age, household circumstances, location and any financial assistance for which an enrollee qualifies.
What Delaware Marketplace Plans Cover
All ACA-compliant Marketplace plans are required to provide essential health benefits.
These include prescription drug coverage, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental and behavioral health services, preventive services and telehealth. Consumers can select among different ACA plan levels, allowing households to compare the tradeoff between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Delaware Department of Insurance says its rate-review process evaluates insurance filings to ensure rates comply with actuarial standards and state requirements and are not inadequate, excessive or unfairly discriminatory.
Dental Insurance Rates Are Also Increasing
Delaware residents purchasing dental coverage through the Marketplace will also see changes for 2027.
Delta Dental will increase rates by an average of 4.3% on its two Marketplace family plans.
Dominion Dental will increase ACA premiums by an average of 5.8% on its two plans, including pediatric offerings.
Small Business Health Plan Rates Still Pending
Rates for Delaware’s off-Marketplace small-group insurance plans have not yet been finalized.
Current filings show Highmark proposing 32 small-group plan options with a requested average increase of 19.8%. Final rates are expected in October, according to the Department of Insurance.
That upcoming decision may be particularly important for Delaware small businesses evaluating employee benefit costs and preparing their 2027 operating budgets.
What This Means If You’re Moving to Delaware
Healthcare expenses can be an important part of calculating the overall cost of relocating to a new state.
People considering Delaware who expect to purchase their own insurance should factor the 2027 premium increases into their relocation budgets and compare available plans rather than relying solely on statewide average increases.
The Marketplace will continue to provide multiple plan choices from Highmark and AmeriHealth Caritas, while ACA-compliant plans must maintain required essential health benefits.
For someone relocating during the year, a move may also qualify as a life event that permits enrollment outside the normal annual enrollment period, depending on the circumstances. Other qualifying events can include losing job-based health insurance or welcoming a child.
2027 Open Enrollment Begins November 1
Open enrollment for Delaware’s 2027 Marketplace coverage is scheduled to begin November 1, 2026.
Residents shopping for coverage should compare premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription coverage and total potential out-of-pocket costs before selecting a plan.
For prospective Delaware residents, the new rates provide another data point to incorporate into the broader cost-of-living calculation when deciding whether — and where — to make a move to the First State.