Pennie - Pennsylvania State-Run Health Insurance Exchange
Pennsylvania residents were instructed to use Pennie – Pennsylvania State-Run Health Insurance Exchange (instead of HealthCare.gov) to enroll in coverage for 2021 once open enrollment started on November 1, 2020. After giving residents an additional month to sign up for coverage, open enrollment initially ended after January 15, 2021. Next, a special enrollment period for those impacted by Covid-19 began and ran from February 15th – May 15th, 2021. That enrollment period had been extended once more, and continued through August 15th, 2021. On November 1, 2021, open enrollment began for 2022.
On November 1, 2022, open enrollment begins for 2023.
Pennie’s Open Enrollment Period runs yearly from November 1st to January 15th. During this window, you can secure 2023 coverage with a January 1st or February 1st effective date.
You may also qualify to enroll now if you have a Qualifying Life Event.
Can I Enroll in coverage outside of the Open Enrollment Period?
In order to enroll into Pennie coverage outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period, you must experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE is a change in circumstances that may make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, during which you may enroll into coverage through Pennie.
Examples of common QLEs include:
- Loss of minimal essential coverage like job-based coverage or Medicaid;
- Change in household size (e.g. birth of a child, marriage, divorce); and
- Change of residence.
If you are enrolling into coverage through Pennie for the first time, please create or log into your Pennie account and click “Start a New Application” to begin. Once your application is completed, click “Confirm Event and Shop” to report your QLE and enroll into coverage.
You generally have 60 days to report your QLE and enroll into coverage.
Qualifying Life Event (QLE)
A change in your circumstances – like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage – that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.
There are 4 basic types of qualifying life events. (The following are examples, not a full list.)
Loss of Health Coverage
Changes in Household
Changes in Residence
Other Qualifying Events
Note: Some QLEs must be verified by Pennie in order to open up a Special Enrollment Period. If one of the above situations applies to you, make sure to have your information handy when you go to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pennie
What Is Pennie?
Pennie is a Pennsylvania State-Run Health Insurance Exchange which will serve as Pennsylvania’s official destination for shopping for quality health insurance plans and accessing financial assistance, if eligible.
Why Choose Pennie?
Pennie health insurance provides Pennsylvania residents with accessible health care coverage. With Pennie, you’ll receive coverage that reflects both your life and needs.
Pennie also makes it easy for you to get support while you are signing up for coverage and once you have it. You’ll receive peace of mind knowing that you and your family are financially protected if you experience an unexpected illness or accident, which is especially beneficial during uncertain times. As part of your plan, you and your family will also be able to take advantage of many free preventive services.
Most importantly, Pennie health insurance can connect you to financial assistance, which can help lower your monthly payment as well as your out-of-pocket expenses, making it even easier to save money.
Where can I learn more about financial assistance and if I qualify?
Based on your income, you may qualify for financial assistance that will lower your monthly premium or your out of pocket expenses. Visit Pennie’s page on financial assistance for additional information.
Gather the following before you start enrollment:
- Photo ID(s) (driver’s license, passport or other option proving your identity)
- Social security number(s)
- Last 4 weeks of pay stubs
- Immigration documents, if applicable
- Most recent tax return(s)
Who can help me enroll?
Our benefits department specializes in individual health insurance enrollment. Reach out to one of our representatives to find out how we can implement the right plan to fulfil your needs.
Reach out to Mike, Jay or Brin in our Health & Life Department by calling 610-777-4123
Contact Gallen Insurance Today to Enroll in PA State-Funded Health Insurance
Located in Shillington, PA, we’ve been proudly serving residents of Reading, PA, Berks County as well as Chester and Montgomery Counties since 1957. As an independent agency, you’ll find that we offer a unique approach compared to traditional insurance agencies.
You can always count on us to perform a complete review of your wants and needs for health insurance. We’ll help you choose a Pennie plan that provides the coverage you require for you and your family and that fits within your budget.
For dependable, customizable insurance solutions, give us a call at 610-777-4123 or fill out our contact form today or email us to receive a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
Over 65 years strong!
Since 1957, Gallen Insurance has helped residents of Pennsylvania with a variety of insurance policies and coverages for all types of businesses and industries.
We’re also a Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agency, we recently won the Berk’s County People’s Choice Award and are recognized as one of the Top 50 Businesses in Greater Reading!
Contact Us
Gallen Insurance
2237 Lancaster Pike
Shillington, PA 19607
Phone: 610-777-4123
Fax: 610-777-9957
Hours:
Mon - Thur 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
info@galleninsurance.com
Gallen Insurance provides assistance with Pennie Policies, Plans and Coverages throughout Pennsylvania from our office in the Greater Reading Area of Berks County.
Our friendly and personable staff stands ready to provide a free consultation for any insurance need you may have.
Use our contact form, email us, or call us today at 610-777-4123.