Finding the Right Insurance Plan for You

Finding the right health insurance doesn’t have to be confusing. Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace, created to help you and your family get coverage you can count on. Through Pennie, you’ll find plans that fit your needs and budget, along with financial savings that may lower your monthly costs.

Life changes—like leaving a job, turning 26, or losing Medicaid—can make finding new coverage stressful. Pennie is here to make that transition easier, offering straightforward choices and clear answers so you can focus on your health, not the paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennie

What is Pennie?
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace. Pennie is PA’s source of financial savings on health insurance plans.
Who is eligible to enroll with Pennie?
To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through Pennie, you:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or have a qualifying immigration status and must hold your citizenship or “lawfully present” immigration status for the entire enrollment period
  • Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
  • Must NOT be incarcerated
Who is a good candidate for Pennie?
If you are losing employer-based health coverage due to retiring, leaving your job, or turning 26 and losing your parent’s health coverage, you may want to look at Pennie for health insurance options in your area. If you lose your Medical Assistance (Medicaid) through PA, the state will automatically send an application to Pennie for you to choose a health plan.
Can I get health coverage through Pennie if my job offers it?
Yes. If your job’s health coverage is too expensive or it does not meet minimum value standards, you may be able to get financial savings (tax credits) through Pennie. NOTE: If your job offers affordable health coverage, you may not qualify for tax credits through Pennie. This is determined by a calculation of your income and cost of the health insurance offered through employment. When you complete a Pennie application, this is calculated automatically and determined when the application is submitted.
What would I include as "income"?
Your eligibility for financial assistance through Pennie is based on your expected household income for the year you want coverage, not the previous year's income. You must make your best estimate of your income for the year you want coverage on your Pennie application so you qualify for the right amount of financial assistance to help pay for the cost of health coverage and care.
Whose income is included in your estimate?
For most people, a household consists of the tax filer, their spouse if they have one, and their tax dependents, including those who are not applying for coverage.
What income is counted?
Pennie uses an income number called modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for financial assistance.

Below are some examples of incomes that should be included on your application:

Job
Pension
Rental or Royalty
Alimony Received
Scholarship
Self-Employment
Social Security Benefits
Farming or Fishing
Investment
Retirement
Capital Gains
Unemployment
What if my income changes unexpectedly?

Reporting changes is important for accurate pricing!

If your income changes during the year, make sure to update your Pennie application to ensure you continue to receive the right amount of financial assistance (tax credits). If you do not update income that has changed, this will possibly change your tax responsibility for that calendar year.

How do I choose a plan?
When you submit your application, you will see if you are eligible for tax credits and can then navigate to all plans available in your zip code. You can choose from a Pennie-Certified Assister or Pennie-Certified Broker in your area. These professionals, like myself, can meet with you on a virtual call, in person, or by phone to guide you through the enrollment process. NOTE: Brokers earn their commission directly from the insurance company. There is no cost to you to use a broker.
Young couple reviewing insurance plans on Pennie

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