State Agencies Remind Pennsylvania Farmers of Affordable Health Insurance Options

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), the Department of Agriculture, Pennie – the state's official health insurance marketplace – Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, and Pennsylvania State Grange held an event at Spiral Path Farm to remind farmers that they have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys said many farmers work long hours in physically demanding conditions without employer-provided benefits. He emphasized that farmers have affordable coverage options available through Pennie.

Farmers often do not receive insurance through a traditional employer, and their income can vary seasonally. Officials noted that Pennie's Open Enrollment period is the best time for farmers to enroll in coverage.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said many farmers operate as sole proprietors or small business owners and face challenges affording healthcare coverage for themselves and their families. He said farmers need comprehensive and affordable options to support their wellbeing.

Pennie is the only marketplace where Pennsylvanians can receive financial savings through tax credits. Enhanced premium tax credits that further reduce costs are set to expire on December 31 without Congressional action. PID and Pennie have urged Congress to extend the credits, citing potential cost increases. For example, a 60-year-old married couple in York County earning $82,000 annually would see their premiums rise from $7,032 to $35,712 per year if the enhanced credits expire. Officials said extending the credits could reduce insurance rates by three to five percent.

All plans offered through Pennie include coverage for hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity care, mental health services, pre-existing conditions, and preventive services.

Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley encouraged Pennsylvanians to enroll before the upcoming deadline for coverage beginning January 1, noting that many still qualify for financial assistance despite rising costs.

Pennie offers free assistance with enrollment in multiple languages. Consumers can access support from certified experts online, by phone, or in person. More information is available at pennie.com or by calling 844-844-8040. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Open Enrollment.

Officials also warned consumers to be alert for insurance fraud, which increases during open enrollment. Fake websites and deceptive sales tactics may attempt to steal personal or financial information. Pennie is the only official source of financial savings for marketplace plans.

Pennsylvanians can protect themselves by verifying licenses of insurance agents, avoiding unsolicited sales calls, reviewing documents before sharing payment information, and being cautious of "last-chance" offers. Questions or complaints about insurance can be directed to pa.gov/consumer or 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT.

PID encourages residents to follow the department on X and Facebook for updates.