Delaware CLASI Free Legal Aid for Medicare Savings and Medicaid Disputes

A denial letter from DSS or a termination notice for your Medicare Savings Program benefits can feel like a dead end. It does not have to be. Delaware has a nonprofit legal organization that provides free representation for exactly these situations, and most people who need it do not know it exists.

What CLASI Does

The Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) is a Delaware provider of free civil legal services for low-income residents. Its Public Benefits Legal Services unit handles Medicare Savings Program denials, Medicaid eligibility disputes, benefit terminations, and administrative fair hearings — at no cost to the client.

CLASI attorneys can:

• Represent you at a DSS Fair Hearing if your QMB, SLMB, or QI application was denied
• Challenge an improper benefit termination or tier reduction
• Help you secure "Aid Continuing" so your benefits stay active while the appeal is pending
• Intervene when a healthcare provider illegally balance bills a QMB beneficiary
• Assist with DPAP coverage disputes or Medicaid long-term care eligibility questions

This is actual legal representation — an attorney reviewing your case file, preparing evidence, and appearing at the hearing on your behalf or alongside you.

CLASI Office Locations

CLASI has an office in each of Delaware's three counties:

New Castle County (Wilmington) 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 801, Wilmington, DE 19801 Phone: (302) 575-0660 | Toll-Free: 1-800-292-7980

Kent County (Dover) 840 Walker Road, Dover, DE 19904 Phone: (302) 674-8500 | Toll-Free: 1-800-537-8383

Sussex County (Georgetown) 20151 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 Phone: (302) 856-0038 | Toll-Free: 1-800-462-7070

Call the office closest to you to start an intake. CLASI screens for financial eligibility — their services are available to individuals who meet low-income guidelines.

When to Call CLASI vs Handling It Yourself

Not every problem requires a lawyer. If DSS denied your application because of a missing document, review the Notice of Decision for response and appeal instructions, and ask DSS how to submit the missing item. If your renewal was closed because you missed the return deadline, submitting the completed renewal form within 90 days after procedural closure can reopen your case without a new application.

Call CLASI when:

• Your application was denied on financial grounds and you believe the income calculation was wrong
• DSS terminated your coverage and you need to file for Aid Continuing within 10 days of the notice date to keep benefits active during the appeal
• A provider is sending you to collections for bills that should be covered under QMB billing protections
• You received a Fair Hearing decision you believe was legally incorrect and want to pursue judicial review in Superior Court

The 10-day Aid Continuing window is where speed matters most. If you miss it, your benefits stop while the appeal plays out. CLASI can help you meet that deadline.

The Delaware ADRC Connection

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), reachable at 1-800-223-9074, provides broader aging services. For legal representation, Medicare plan counseling, or application questions, contact CLASI, the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB), or DSS directly.

Preparing Before You Call

CLASI's intake process goes faster when you have your paperwork organized. Before calling, gather:

• The DSS denial or termination notice (the official letter stating the adverse action)
• Your most recent Social Security benefit letter showing gross monthly income
• Your Medicare card showing Part A and Part B coverage
• Any correspondence you have exchanged with DSS about the case

Our Delaware Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help & DPAP Guide includes a document checklist and a communication log template specifically designed for tracking DSS interactions — useful whether you are working with CLASI or handling the process on your own.

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