Pennie (PA Individual Exchange) has communicated that they will be extending the open enrollment period from May 15 until August 15, 2021. This extension is to help consumers be able to take advantage of the benefits of the American Rescue Plan. Some of the key benefits of this plan are below:

  • There is no longer a cap on who is eligible for Pennie’s income-based tax credits, which help reduce monthly premium costs. Previously only people whose household income was under 400% of federal poverty level (about $51,000 for an individual), could qualify for a tax credit. Now, anyone may be eligible for a tax credit.
  • The size of the tax credits has increased under the American Rescue Plan Act for both new and existing Pennie customers. Tax credits vary by income and ensure no one spends more than 8.5% of their income on a Pennie plan.
  • The special enrollment period with Pennie is not exclusive to people who lost coverage during the pandemic — anyone can sign up. Any individual who already selected a Pennie health plan for 2021 can return to Pennnie if they would like to change their plan and take advantage of the tax credits.
  • Individuals that are eligible for COBRA health insurance after being laid off from a job or having their hours reduced may eligible for a federal subsidy that will cover the entire cost of their COBRA premium from April 1 – September 30, 2021. 

Pennie has provided the following FAQs website: Pennie & the American Rescue Plan                

Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash

How does the American Rescue Plan impact how much I will spend on health insurance?

The American Rescue Plan lowers health insurance premiums on Pennie. If you were previously eligible for financial assistance, like advance premium tax credits (APTC), to lower the cost of health coverage, you will be eligible for additional financial assistance to further reduce the cost of coverage. If you previously did not qualify for financial assistance because your income was too high, you will now qualify.

Note: Other eligibility criteria, like access to job-based coverage (ESI) that meets affordability standards, have not changed. Those with an offer of ESI that meets this criteria will continue to be ineligible for financial assistance through Pennie. 

NOTE: Pennie’s systems have not yet been updated to reflect the changes under the American Rescue Plan. Pennie is working to get these changes implemented as soon as possible. Continue to check pennie.com to see when these changes will be implemented on Pennie. 

How long will my premiums remain lower due to the American Rescue Plan?

The reduced premiums under the American Rescue Plan are for all of 2021 and all of 2022 unless Congress extends or makes them permanent. You are eligible for the benefits under this law from the date in which your coverage through Pennie began, so enroll today if you haven’t already!

NOTE: Pennie’s systems have not yet been updated to reflect the changes under the American Rescue Plan. Pennie is working to get these changes implemented as soon as possible. Continue to check pennie.com to see when these changes will be implemented on Pennie. 

When will I see the American Rescue Plan changes in my account?

Pennie is working diligently to ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to all of the financial assistance they are eligible for as soon as possible. Please continue to check back into your account on pennie.com over the next several weeks and months to see exactly what you are eligible for.

Hang tight, Pennie will be sure to let you know when these changes will be available in your account and what steps you need to take to receive them, if any. 

Total Benefit Solutions Inc is  still confirming how this extension will affect off exchange enrollments. In the meantime please call your health insurance experts at (215)355-2121