Deadline alert for Delaware: the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace closes at midnight tonight, December 15 — and uninsured residents have only hours left to enroll for coverage that begins January 1, 2026. Why this matters - About 6.5% of Delawareans remain uninsured, according to the United Health Foundation. Missing tonight’s deadline means waiting until next year’s open enrollment and a potentially long gap in coverage. - For freelancers, gig workers and crypto traders who lack employer plans, that gap can mean serious financial exposure: medical emergencies can quickly erase savings. How to enroll Delaware’s marketplace routes applicants to Healthcare.gov. You can apply: - Online at Healthcare.gov - By phone - In person with community assisters - Through licensed agents or brokers - Via certified enrollment partner websites - With a paper application Documents you’ll likely need - Photo ID - Social Security numbers for applicants - The last four pay stubs and most recent tax returns - Potentially proof of immigration status, HRA info, and household member details If you miss today’s cutoff - A Special Enrollment Period may still be available if you’ve had a qualifying life event (childbirth, move, divorce, death in the family, or loss of prior marketplace coverage). - The general enrollment window remains open through January 15, 2026 — but plans enrolled after tonight will have coverage start on February 1, not January 1. Costs and protections - Tax credits and subsidies are reducing premiums significantly for many Delaware residents. In 2024, the average monthly ACA premium after tax credits was about $147; roughly 17% of enrollees paid $10 or less per month. - Commissioner Trinidad Navarro emphasized consumer protection during enrollment: “If you’re ever pressured to purchase anything, hang up.” He also reiterated the state’s mission: “Our priority has always been to expand access to affordable, high-quality health coverage through the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace.” Watch out for scams - The Delaware Department of Insurance has warned about predatory activity, including scammers who enroll people without their knowledge to collect commissions. If anything feels pressured or suspicious, stop and verify through official channels. Bottom line If you live in Delaware and need marketplace coverage starting January 1, enroll before midnight tonight. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for subsidies or need help with documents, reach out to Healthcare.gov or a certified assister now — waiting could mean months without coverage. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news