Pennie Open Enrollment Starts November 1st

Pennie (Pennsylvania Insurance Exchange) is the official Pennsylvania marketplace for health and dental insurance. Open Enrollment runs from November 1st to January 15th every year and is the time when individuals can purchase insurance through Pennie. If you need insurance that starts on January 1st, the deadline for enrollment is December 15th. Those who enroll by January 15th will have coverage beginning February 1st. Consumers who miss the open enrollment deadline of January 15, 2024, will have to wait till the next open enrollment period, unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Outside of open enrollment, you may only enroll in Marketplace insurance if you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that would make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). In that case, you have 60 days from the QLE to enroll in coverage. QLEs include loss of health insurance, marriage, divorce, change in number of dependents, change in immigration status, release from prison, and change in residence. In addition, if your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline you are eligible for a special enrollment period.

If you sign up for insurance through Pennie, you may be eligible for financial assistance in the form of Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR). Your eligibility for APTC is based on projected income and can be used to lower your monthly premium. You may be eligible for CSR if your estimated household income falls between 100 and 250% of the federal poverty level. CSR lowers the out-of-pocket costs for your healthcare including deductible, co-payments, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. 

If you are interested in enrolling in health insurance and need help, Pennie customer service, Assisters, and Brokers provide free support. Help is available in person, virtually, and over the phone at 1-844-844-8040.