By Kristy Warren
Open enrollment is officially here, meaning Pennsylvania residents can now enroll in new healthcare coverage or switch healthcare plans on the PA insurance marketplace Pennie.com. This year’s open enrollment period runs now through January 15, 2023, but patients must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning at the start of the new year (January 1, 2023).
Are you struggling to find a health plan that’s a good fit for you and your family? Do you need help navigating the Pennie marketplace or addressing a change in your coverage needs? The Laurel Health Centers are here to help with free insurance enrollment counseling. You don’t have to be a Laurel Health patient to use this free service.
“We assist patients with understanding and comparing their options for coverage on the state marketplace and/or insurance affordability programs like Medicaid and CHIP,” explains Carla Westlake, Laurel Health’s certified application counselor, who was recently recognized with the APEX Award for her outstanding work with patients by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers. “Our goal is to help everyone find a health plan that is a good fit. Anyone planning to enroll in health insurance this fall or who is currently uninsured / underinsured and looking for the right affordable coverage is welcome to make an appointment.”
To make an appointment to discuss your health plan options, call 570-723-3424.
WHAT IS OPEN ENROLLMENT?
Open enrollment refers to the time period when anyone can sign up for healthcare coverage or change their plan on the PA insurance marketplace Pennie.com, as opposed to having to qualify for special enrollment. Individual and family plans are offered through the marketplace.
Special enrollment refers to when someone experiences a qualifying life event that may necessitate an immediate healthcare coverage need or change (e.g., losing a job and its associated healthcare coverage, moving to a new area, getting married or divorced, etc.).
KEY DATES TO KNOW:
- Open enrollment for health insurance runs from Nov. 1, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023
- Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2023; if you enroll after Dec. 15, your health coverage begins Feb. 1, 2023
- Jan. 15, 2023 is the last day to enroll in PA marketplace plans during this open enrollment period
- If you lose your health insurance outside of the open enrollment period, you may be eligible for special enrollment
NEED HELP FINDING A PLAN OR SIGNING UP?
If you need help navigating Pennie.com, choosing a health plan, or determining if you’re eligible for additional financial assistance, Laurel Health is here to support you and make the process less stressful.
Laurel Health's certified application counselor Carla Westlake will walk you through what's new to the marketplace and how to sign up for coverage, including help comparing and enrolling in plans or health assistance programs. To make a free appointment to discuss your options, call Carla at 570-723-3424.
The Laurel Health Centers provide support and enrollment assistance for commercial Pennie.com marketplace plans, Medicaid, and sliding fee programs; for help with Medicare plans, please contact your social security office or local Area Agency on Aging office.
We offer free appointments year-round to discuss insurance concerns.
As federally qualified health centers (FQHC), the Laurel Health Centers provide expert care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, and offer free support services like insurance enrollment counseling and a sliding fee program to help patients maintain access to quality care.
Our certified application counselor is available year-round to discuss your healthcare questions and eligibility to apply for insurance assistance programs. Enrollment / application help is available throughout the full open enrollment period.
Visit Pennie.com now to review available plans, resources, FAQs, programs, and enrollment deadlines.
For more information on health plans or help enrolling, make a free appointment with Carla Westlake at