By Kristy Warren

Open enrollment is officially here, which means it's time for Pennsylvania residents with Pennie plans to select their healthcare coverage! During open enrollment, you can enroll in brand-new coverage, re-enroll in your existing healthcare coverage, or switch healthcare plans on the Pennsylvania insurance marketplace Pennie.com. It is also a good time to assure your income information is up to date to see if you qualify for additional financial assistance. 

The Pennie.com open enrollment period runs now through January 15, 2025. However, if you are looking for coverage to start at the beginning of the new year, make sure to sign up for your health plan by December 15, 2024. Participants must enroll by December 15 for their plan coverage to begin January 1, 2025. If you sign up after December 15, your coverage will begin February 1, 2025.

Open enrollment refers to the time period when anyone can sign up for healthcare coverage or change their plan on the insurance marketplace. PA residents can sign up on the PA insurance marketplace Pennie.com. Both individual and family plans are offered through the marketplace. Open enrollment allows you to enroll, re-enroll, or switch your health plan for any reason during the open enrollment period, as opposed to having to qualify for special enrollment. 

Special enrollment refers to when someone experiences a qualifying life event that may necessitate new healthcare needs and a change in coverage (e.g., losing a job and its associated healthcare coverage, moving to a new area where participating insurance networks may be different, getting married or divorced, welcoming a baby, etc.). 

Sometimes comparing insurance plans can feel daunting. If you need help finding a health plan that’s a good fit for you and your family or help navigating Pennie’s online marketplace, the Laurel Health Centers are here to help.

We offer free enrollment counseling and support throughout open enrollment at 570-723-3424. Counseling is open to everyone; you do not have to be a Laurel Health patient to use this free service.

“We assist patients with reviewing and comparing their coverage options on the state marketplace and/or through insurance affordability programs like Medicaid and CHIP,” explains Carla Westlake, Laurel Health’s certified application counselor. 

“Our goal is to help everyone find a health plan that is a good fit," Carla adds. "Anyone looking for the right affordable coverage is welcome to make an appointment. Free appointments are available year-round to discuss questions and coverage.”

Carla is passionate about helping people find an insurance plan that meets their needs and their budget. She looks at your specific coverage needs and offers personalized support. Laurel Health does not have its own insurance company or plan, so you can expect an unbiased and neutral review of all available healthcare plans on the Pennie marketplace. 

With Laurel Health, you can also trust that you're in capable hands. Carla has years of experience helping patients review insurance options and navigate enrollment paperwork. She was recently awarded the prestigious APEX Award by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers for her outstanding work and dedication to serving her community.

Already on a Pennie plan you like? That's great news, but you should still sign in to check your information and assure you're set to re-enroll! If you intend to keep the same Pennie health plan or want to take advantage of automatic re-enrollment, make sure to update and verify your 2025 income and household size on Pennie.com to confirm your eligibility for financial assistance and avoid any disruptions in coverage. 

• Open enrollment for Pennie health insurance runs now until Jan. 15, 2025. 
  
  
• Dec. 15, 2024 is the last day to enroll for benefits that start Jan. 1, 2025; if you enroll after Dec. 15, your health coverage begins Feb. 1, 2025.
  
  
• Jan. 15, 2025 is the last day to enroll in PA marketplace plans during this open enrollment period.
  
  
• If you experience a qualifying life event outside of the open enrollment period, you are eligible for special enrollment. Examples of qualifying events include marriage, divorce, moving, and starting or expanding your family. 

The Laurel Health Centers provide support and enrollment assistance for commercial Pennie.com marketplace plans. We can also help you apply for financial assistance programs like CHIP, Medicaid, and sliding fee. 

Laurel Health offers free appointments year-round to discuss insurance questions and concerns. 

Our team currently provides guidance for commercial marketplace plans, Medicaid, and financial assistance. For help with Medicare plans, please contact your social security office or local Area Agency on Aging office. 

As federally qualified health centers (FQHC), the Laurel Health Centers provide expert care to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. We offer free support services like insurance enrollment counseling and our sliding fee program to help patients maintain access to quality care. 

Health plan comparisons, insurance enrollment assistance, and application help for financial assistance programs are available throughout the full open enrollment period and beyond. Laurel Health aims to make the insurance enrollment process less stressful and empower patients to make informed decisions. Our certified application counselor is happy to answer your healthcare questions and review your eligibility to apply for insurance assistance programs.

Make sure you are prepared for 2025 with insurance coverage that meets your needs. Visit Pennie.com today to review available plans, update your income information, or enroll in coverage.

To make an appointment to discuss your health plan options or for help navigating the Pennie marketplace, contact Carla Westlake at 570-723-3424 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..