Residents reminded of Pennie deadline

HARRISBURG — Lt. Gov. Austin Davis joined Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Mike Humphreys, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley and community health experts for a news conference at the Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg to remind Pennsylvanians of Pennie's first open enrollment deadline, Dec. 15, 2023, which is the last day to enroll in health coverage that will start Jan. 1, 2024.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the great work of the folks who run Pennie, every Pennsylvanian can shop around and find affordable, robust health insurance that covers essential benefits like prescription drugs, vaccines, maternity care and mental health treatments," said Lt. Gov. Davis. "Whether you are in your 20s, starting a new business and need individual coverage or you're retiring early and need coverage before Medicare kicks in, Pennie has great options for you. It doesn't take long to go on the Pennie website and see what's available and what savings you and your family qualify for."

As Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace, Pennie is the only place where Pennsylvanians can get financial savings to reduce the cost of coverage and care. Currently, nine in 10 enrollees qualify and save more than $500 a month on average. 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.

During open enrollment, individuals can apply, shop, and enroll in coverage from the top insurance companies with financial savings. Plans and prices change every year, so Pennsylvanians who need coverage should review their options even if they have looked before. All health plans offered through Pennie provide comprehensive coverage, including care for pre-existing conditions and many free preventive screenings and vaccines. Current Pennie customers should update their account (family size, income and contact information) and see if they still have the best plan for their needs.

"Any Pennsylvanian without health coverage should visit pennie.com before Dec. 15 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. Enrolling in coverage is the best way to make sure you are protected in 2024."

Pennie encourages anyone seeking coverage to go to {span class="s1"}pennie.com{/span} before Dec. 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 {span class="s1"}pennie.com{/span} or call Pennie Customer service at 1-844-844-8040. Pennie's Customer Service Center is open from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. during open enrollment.