HARRISBURG, PA — State officials on Wednesday gathered in Perry County to warn Pennsylvania farmers that time is running out to secure health insurance coverage for the coming year, as enrollment deadlines and potential federal changes threaten to sharply increaseE costs for those who wait.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Department of Agriculture, Pennie — the state’s official health insurance marketplace — and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture held the outreach event at Spiral Path Farm in Loysville, underscoring that farmers often face unique challenges accessing health coverage because many lack employer-sponsored plans and experience seasonal income swings.
Officials said farmers must enroll through Pennie by December 15 to ensure coverage begins January 1, stressing that open enrollment is the primary opportunity for many self-employed residents to obtain comprehensive, affordable health insurance.
Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys said farmers work long hours in physically demanding conditions, often without the safety net of traditional workplace benefits. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said many farmers are sole proprietors or small business owners who struggle to afford coverage for themselves and their families, despite the risks inherent in agricultural work.
State leaders also warned that premiums could rise significantly if Congress does not act to extend enhanced federal premium tax credits that are scheduled to expire after December 31. Pennie officials said those credits currently help lower monthly costs for thousands of Pennsylvanians. Without them, some households could see dramatic increases in what they pay for coverage.
Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley said open enrollment is the one time each year residents can shop for plans that meet their medical and financial needs, adding that many Pennsylvanians still qualify for financial assistance despite rising costs. All plans sold through Pennie cover essential health benefits, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care, and must accept applicants with pre-existing conditions.
Officials also cautioned residents to be alert for insurance scams, which tend to increase during open enrollment. Pennie emphasized that it is the only official source of premium tax credits in Pennsylvania and urged consumers to enroll directly through its website or official customer service channels.
Free enrollment assistance is available statewide through certified brokers, enrollment assisters, and Pennie customer service representatives, both online and in person. State agencies said farmers who miss the December 15 deadline risk going without coverage or paying significantly more for health insurance in the year ahead.
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