HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace will open enrollment for 2027 coverage on November 1 after the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits doubled average costs for people maintaining coverage in 2026, contributing to a significant decline in enrollment.
Pennie, the state’s official marketplace for individual and family health insurance, said Thursday, October 22, that consumers must enroll by December 15 to secure coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
The enrollment period comes amid continued affordability pressures following Congress’s decision not to extend enhanced premium tax credits that expired December 31, 2025. The additional subsidies, introduced in 2021, had reduced insurance costs for marketplace customers.
Pennie said the expiration caused average coverage costs to double in 2026 for people maintaining their insurance, prompting a substantial enrollment decline.
The original federal premium tax credits remain available, however, and Pennie estimates that four out of five enrollees qualify for financial assistance. Marketplace customers receive an average of $6,000 annually in savings.
Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley said hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania residents remain uninsured, including people who may qualify for subsidies but have not explored their eligibility.
“Don’t assume you can’t afford coverage when it only takes a few minutes to check if you qualify for savings,” Trolley said.
The marketplace allows consumers to compare insurance plans and estimate their eligibility for tax credits based on income, household size and other factors. Uninsured residents can obtain preliminary cost and savings estimates by answering five questions online.
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys urged consumers to compare available plans rather than assume their current coverage remains the most economical option.
“Prices and tax credit amounts change every year and it’s important that consumers return to Pennie—or check Pennie for the first time—to see what quality health insurance plans best meet their healthcare and budget needs,” Humphreys said.
Current enrollees must update their income, household size and contact information. Pennie warned that recent federal policy changes have increased penalties associated with inaccurate income reporting, raising the importance of maintaining accurate account information.
Insurance plans offered through Pennie must meet federal coverage requirements, including protections for pre-existing conditions and coverage for hospitalization, prescription medications, maternity care and mental health services.
The plans also include preventive services such as screenings, vaccinations and checkups without additional charges. Pennie cautioned that some insurance products sold outside the marketplace may exclude benefits required under federal marketplace standards.
Pennie does not set insurance premiums but serves as Pennsylvania’s exclusive marketplace for obtaining federal premium tax credits.
Consumers can review coverage options and apply at pennie.com. Additional information about the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies is available at pennie.com/affordability.
Free enrollment assistance is available through certified insurance brokers, enrollment specialists and customer service representatives, with support offered online, by telephone and in person. Local assistance can be located at pennie.com/connect.
Pennie’s customer service line, 844-844-8040, will operate during open enrollment from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The marketplace is operated by the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, an entity established under state law to provide access to private health insurance and income-based financial assistance.
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