Keystone Today

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Pennie, the state-based health insurance marketplace, has added a new “qualifying life event” to allow low-income residents to enroll in health insurance all year.

According to a March 1 release, the new qualifying life event allows for people with an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level to shop for health insurance through Pennie. There is also financial assistance provided. The average assistance is $500 per month and 90% of the 375,000 customers receive it. Wolf urged all Pennsylvania residents to find a health care package at pennie.com.

“Since taking office, a top priority of mine has been to expand access to quality, affordable health insurance to all Pennsylvanians,” said Wolf. “I strongly believe that access to health care is a fundamental right, but it’s also good for Pennsylvania’s economy. This additional qualifying event will make health insurance accessible to some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, providing them the security of knowing they can receive medical care without the astronomical costs associated with seeking care without health insurance.”

For a single person, to qualify the annual income would be $19,320; for a two-person family it would be $26,130; $32,940 for a three-person family; and $39,750 for a four-person family. It is currently available for those not receiving health coverage through Pennie but beginning in June people who are Pennie customers with income at or lower than the 150% poverty level can change their current plan.

To receive the qualifying life event customers can go to pennie.com and click “get covered.” A Special Enrollment Period will then automatically open if qualified and there is a 60-day window to shop and enroll in a plan.

“One of Pennie’s overarching goals is to reduce barriers and inequities experienced by vulnerable populations,” said Pennie’s Executive Director Zachary Sherman. “This new opportunity, making it easier for low-income Pennsylvanians to stay and get covered, is a step in the right direction. Thanks to initiatives like these and the savings from the American Rescue Plan, coverage through Pennie has never been more within reach for so many Pennsylvanians. If you or your family just missed the limit to qualify for Medical Assistance, come to pennie.com and enroll in health coverage today.”