Representatives from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), the Pennie Health Insurance Marketplace, and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) celebrated the beginning of the open enrollment period today at Maria de los Santos Health Center in Philadelphia to highlight that Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, is now open for Pennsylvanians to enroll in high-quality health coverage for 2024. This annual Open Enrollment Period is the time when Pennsylvanians can compare quality health plans at the lowest costs through Pennie.

Pennie’s Open Enrollment Period began on Nov. 1, and the deadline to enroll in coverage that will start New Year’s Day is Dec. 15. Plans and prices change every year, so anyone who needs coverage should review their options even if they have looked before. Anyone currently enrolled in Pennie should make sure their family size, income, and contact information are up to date. Enrolling in coverage is the best way to make sure you are protected in 2024.

“The Philadelphia region has more people without coverage than any other part of Pennsylvania. This means that more people are missing out on important medical care to prevent and manage serious illnesses, and more people are at financial risk if they get hurt,” said Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley. “Having health coverage means protecting your health and your wallet. We encourage any Pennsylvanian without health insurance to start the new year with the peace of mind that comes with having coverage.”

Pennie is 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.

The high-quality plans sold through Pennie are guaranteed to have important benefits. Pennie makes sure health plans will financially protect Pennsylvanians in the case of injury or illness and provide access to a wide range of medical care, including care for pre-existing conditions and free preventive services.

Pennsylvanians should be aware that health plans outside of Pennie that you can buy on your own may not have the same 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 help is 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 coordinates with Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program and picks up where Medicaid leaves off. 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.

“Your health is too important to go without coverage, and fortunately, Pennsylvanians have options. When you complete your Medicaid renewal, the Department of Human Services will determine whether you are still eligible to receive Medicaid, and if you aren’t, we will automatically and securely transfer you to Pennie so that you can pick a new health plan that’s right for you,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or if you don’t have health coverage at all, open enrollment is the best time to pick a new plan through Pennie to make sure you’re getting the best cost savings and that you and your loved ones are covered in the new year.”

More information for those no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage and their options through Pennie can be found at: pennie.com/learn/loss-of-medical-assistance-coverage/.

Pennie provides support to help navigate coverage options. Across the Commonwealth, there are local experts including enrollment assisters, health insurance brokers, and Customer Service Representatives available over the phone, in person, or online. Go to pennie.com/connect to find help near you.

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 to 7 PM Monday through Friday, and from 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturday during Open Enrollment.