Pennsylvanians to have increased options for health insurance

Pennsylvanians will have increased health insurance options in 2024, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s 2024 Individual and Small Group Affordable Care Act (ACA) announced Thursday. 

More marketplace competition and rate increases that are lower than last year and tracking below the rate of medical inflation are among the reasons for the greater number of options. 

“Pennsylvanians want access to comprehensive, ACA-compliant health insurance at an affordable price,” Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Mike Humphreys said in a statement. “The Shapiro Administration is dedicated to the health, well-being, and financial security of all Pennsylvanians and we’re committed to ensuring that consumers have affordable options to stay insured.” 

Highmark is expanding into five new counties (Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties) and Geisinger will expand its individual and small group offerings into Bedford County, increasing choice for consumers. Consumers in Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia counties will see more health insurer offering coverage in the individual market as Pennsylvania welcomes another new entrant, Jefferson Health Plans, to the southeastern market. 

This marks the sixth year Pennsylvania is seeing increased competition. State residents will also have new options for dental plans, including new stand-alone dental plans available in 59 PA counties, underwritten by UnitedHealthcare. Pennsylvanians will see these new plan options when they shop on Pennie. 

Pennsylvanians can find the lowest costs on quality health plans through Pennie, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Pennie reduces the cost of coverage and care, and 9 in 10 current enrollees qualify. All health plans available through Pennie have consumer protections, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. Anyone who does not have health coverage through work or a government plan, such as Medicare or Medicaid, may be eligible for lower premiums through Pennie.

“Pennie offers many Pennsylvanians a way to save costs while having the protection of high-quality health coverage, which builds on the Insurance Department’s critical work to ensure stable and competitive health insurance options,” said Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley. “We encourage anyone that is uninsured or looking for better health coverage to visit pennie.com to protect your health, wallet, and peace of mind.”

Pennie’s upcoming Open Enrollment Period is the only time of year to enroll in individual and family health coverage for 2024. Open Enrollment begins this Nov. 1, and Dec. 15 is the deadline for coverage that starts on Jan. 1. Outside of Open Enrollment, only individuals with life changes, such as losing coverage from Medicaid and family events, can enroll throughout the year.