Community Health Centers are ready to assist those in need of health insurance

Harrisburg, Pa. – Pennsylvanians without health insurance have until Sunday, Dec. 15, to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace, for coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2025, before the Open Enrollment period ends.

In Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority (Pennie), is the state's official health insurance marketplace and the only place to get financial assistance to help lower the cost of coverage and care. Plans available through Pennie offer the most comprehensive coverage for those seeking the security of health insurance coverage. Additionally, anyone who enrolled in an insurance plan under Pennie in 2024 should update their information and choose a plan by Dec. 15 to ensure tax credits and subsidies remain active and are accurate.

Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) is one of the Pennie's selected Enrollment Assistance Entities for this enrollment season. PACHC is the state primary care association (PCA), which represents and supports the largest network of primary health care providers in the commonwealth. This network of health centers includes Community Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics and other like-mission providers that collectively serve more than a million patients annually at 450-plus sites in underserved rural and urban areas throughout Pennsylvania.

PACHC and its statewide network of community health centers can provide free, personal, no pressure, no obligation, enrollment assistance to individuals seeking the security of health insurance coverage. Community Health Center-based enrollment assisters are trained and ready to help individuals navigate the enrollment process, including plan options and cost.

Tia N. Whitaker, PACHC's Statewide Director of Outreach & Enrollment says, "About 80% of Pennsylvanians enrolled through the Pennie receive financial assistance. Depending on household income, many consumers qualify for subsidies to reduce their monthly premiums. Some consumers may also qualify for assistance that lowers their out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles."

To find a Community Health Center near you, to schedule an appointment with an enrollment assister, or to get access to quality, affordable primary care services, visit the PACHC Patient Page, call the PACHC Navigator Hub toll-free hotline at 1-866-944-CARE (1-866-944-2273) or visit Pennie's Help & Support page.

The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) is a statewide membership services organization representing Community Health Centers — the largest primary care network in Pennsylvania and the nation – rural health clinics and other safety net providers that care for more than 1,000,000 Pennsylvanians at nearly 450 delivery sites in rural and urban communities across the commonwealth. Visit www.pachc.org or call 1-866-944-CARE to find a Community Health Center near you.