Pennsylvania: Pennie’s First Open Enrollment Deadline Approaches!

via Pennie, Pennsylvania's state-based ACA exchange:

Action required by December 15th for Pennsylvanians seeking health coverage. To get the lowest costs on high-quality coverage, visit Pennie, PA’s health insurance marketplace.

Watch press conference, including customer testimonials here.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – December 5, 2023 – Today, Pennsylvania leadership held a virtual press conference to highlight the upcoming deadline of December 15th to enroll in health coverage for 2024 through Pennie.

Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace (pennie.com) and the only place where Pennsylvanians can get financial savings to reduce the cost of coverage and care. Currently, 9 in 10 enrollees qualify and save over $500 a month on average.

Right now, during the annual Open Enrollment period, it is the only time of year to apply, shop and enroll in coverage from the top insurance companies with financial savings.

Upcoming Deadline

The Open Enrollment period happening now is the only time of year to enroll in health coverage for 2024. December 15 is the deadline to enroll in coverage that will start New Year’s Day.

“Any Pennsylvanian without health coverage should visit pennie.com before December 15th to start the new year with peace of mind and protection. If you wait until you need medical care, it will be too late to enroll,” said Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley. “Pennie makes sure health plans will financially protect Pennsylvanians in the case of illness or injury. Having coverage also means access to a full range of medical services, including care for pre-existing conditions and free preventive screenings and vaccines.”

Existing Pennie customers should update their account (family size, income, and contact information) during Open Enrollment.

Plans and prices change every year, so anyone who needs coverage should review their options even if they have looked before. Current Pennie customers should review plan options to make sure they still have the best plan for their needs.

Affordable Coverage

The monthly cost for coverage through Pennie is based on income. Individuals making less will pay less – sometimes under $1 a month. Those with higher incomes will pay a higher share of the health insurance premiums, and no one will pay more than 8.5% of their household income.

Pennie picks up where Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program leaves off, based on income. Pennsylvanians who no longer qualify for Medicaid because of changes in income can see large savings on private health plans through Pennie. For anyone who is no longer eligible for Medicaid and still needs coverage, Open Enrollment is the last chance to enroll for 2024.

Free Help Available Through Pennie

Pennie provides free help to navigate the application process and plan selection in many languages. Pennie-certified experts including enrollment assisters, health insurance brokers, and Customer Service Representatives are available over the phone, in person, or online. Go to pennie.com/connect to find help near you.

Trusted Plans Through Pennie

Health plans outside of Pennie may not have the same consumer protections as plans through Pennie. Pennie is the only way to make sure you are getting a plan that will cover important medical care in the case of a serious illness or injury. Pennie’s application and help are always free – if you are being told that you need to pay to get help with enrolling, then go to pennie.com/connect for support at no cost to you.

“This Open Enrollment Period is the best time to explore available options and shop around to find a plan, even if you already have insurance. Quality, comprehensive health care coverage has never been more affordable, or more within reach for Pennsylvanians,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “The Pennsylvania’s Insurance Department’s goal of increased competition in the Marketplace has resulted in more choices, and increased affordability for consumers across the Commonwealth. We encourage consumers to research and compare plans to find coverage that best fits their needs and provides robust benefits for themselves and their families.”

Pennie encourages anyone seeking coverage to go to pennie.com before December 15 and enroll to get the lowest costs on high-quality plans available in their area. Pennsylvanians interested in shopping for and purchasing health coverage through Pennie can visit pennie.com or call Pennie Customer service at 1-844-844-8040. Pennie’s Customer Service Center is open from 8 am – 7 pm Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm during Open Enrollment.