Question 1

What is Pennie and how is it different from HealthCare.gov?

Accepted Answer

Pennie is Pennsylvania's state-based health insurance marketplace, launched in 2020. Before Pennie, Pennsylvanians shopped for ACA coverage on the federal HealthCare.gov site. Today, anyone in Pennsylvania looking for an individual or family ACA plan must enroll through Pennie at pennie.com. HealthCare.gov no longer sells plans to PA residents. Pennie offers the same federal subsidies as HealthCare.gov, plus a longer Open Enrollment window and Pennsylvania-specific support.

Question 2

When can I enroll in a Pennie plan for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage runs from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. After Open Enrollment ends, you can only enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving. Plans selected by December 15 typically start January 1; plans selected after that start February 1.

Question 3

Do I qualify for subsidies through Pennie in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Most Pennie enrollees qualify for at least some federal premium tax credit. About 80% of Pennie enrollees received tax credits during 2026 Open Enrollment, with savings averaging around $616 per month. However, the enhanced subsidies that lowered costs from 2021 to 2025 expired on December 31, 2025. For 2026, individuals earning above roughly $62,600 (or couples above $84,600) may not qualify for any federal subsidy, though enrolling earlier and choosing the right plan tier can still keep premiums manageable.

Question 4

What are cost-sharing reductions and do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum on Silver-tier plans. To qualify in Pennsylvania, your household income must be at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. CSRs are only available on Silver plans, which is why Silver is often the best value for income-eligible enrollees even when Bronze plans look cheaper at first glance. A licensed agent can quickly check your CSR eligibility while running your quote.

Question 5

Can I keep my doctor with a Pennie plan?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the plan's network. Pennie offers plans from major Pennsylvania carriers including UPMC, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, Geisinger, Capital Blue Cross, and Ambetter, and each has its own network. Before enrolling, we verify your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in-network so you avoid surprises. Bring a list of your providers when you request a quote and we will match you with plans that include them.

Question 6

Is there a fee to use Marketplace Health to enroll in Pennie?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no cost to use a licensed agent. Our agents are paid by the insurance carriers when you enroll, so you pay the exact same Pennie premium whether you sign up directly at pennie.com or work with us. The benefit of using us is free expert guidance: subsidy calculations, plan comparisons across carriers, doctor and prescription verification, and help avoiding common enrollment mistakes that cost families thousands per year.

Question 7

What major changes are happening for Pennie in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Two big changes for 2026: federal enhanced premium tax credits expired (so subsidies are smaller for many enrollees), and Pennie now requires all enrollees to keep their income information current throughout the year. If your income changes mid-year and you don't update your account, you may owe money back at tax time. We can help you set up your account correctly the first time and walk you through how to update income changes.

Question 8

What if I missed Pennie's Open Enrollment, can I still get coverage?

Accepted Answer

You can still enroll outside of Open Enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Common qualifying events include losing health coverage (such as leaving a job or aging off a parent's plan at 26), getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting, moving to a new ZIP code with different plan options, or changes in income. Most SEPs give you 60 days from the date of the event. Not sure where to start? Get a quote from one of our agents or call to speak with a certified Marketplace agent now at (888) 270-3623.

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Pennsylvania ACA Marketplace at a Glance

Open Enrollment Window

~80% Get Subsidies

6 Major Carriers

Pennsylvania Health Insurance Carriers on Pennie

Pennsylvania's Official Health Insurance Marketplace: Pennie

What is Pennie?

Pennie Plan Benefits

How We Help Navigate Pennie

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Pennsylvania ACA Marketplace FAQs

Why Use a Pennie-Certified and Licensed Insurance Agent?

Pennsylvania ACA Resources

Coverage Costs

Doctors & Networks

Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum

Open Enrollment Dates