Key Takeaways
- Pennie is the only place in Pennsylvania to get tax credits on a health plan.
- Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage, or by January 15 for February 1.
- The state approved 2027 Pennie rates for 14 insurance companies, but your county may have fewer.
- Approved rates rise 15.97% on average before savings, with wide gaps by insurer.
- Adults under 138% of the poverty level can get Medical Assistance (Medicaid) instead.
In This Guide
What Is Pennie Health Insurance?
Pennie is Pennsylvania's state-run health insurance marketplace. It replaced HealthCare.gov for Pennsylvania residents starting with 2021 coverage. Today, it is where you shop Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in the state. Every Pennie plan covers the same essential health benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and preventive care. In addition, no plan can turn you down or charge you more for a pre-existing condition. Most importantly, Pennie is the only place to get premium tax credits in Pennsylvania. If you buy the same plan straight from an insurer, you pay full price. That is why most people who qualify for savings enroll through Pennie, either on their own or with a licensed agent.Pennie Health Insurance Open Enrollment Dates for 2027
Pennie runs its own calendar, so its dates can differ from HealthCare.gov. For 2027 coverage, these are the dates that matter.| Date | What happens on Pennie |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment opens for 2027 plans |
| December 15, 2026 | Enroll by today for coverage that starts January 1 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends; plans picked after December 15 start February 1 |
Pennie Health Insurance Companies and 2027 Rates
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department approved an average increase of 15.97% for 2027 individual plans, down from the 17.14% insurers asked for. It also denied $94.7 million in increases it called unjustified. Here is each company's approved change before savings.| Insurance company | Requested | Approved |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Health Plan of PA | +15.4% | +1.4% |
| Geisinger Health Plan | +10.5% | +8.6% |
| UPMC Health Network | +12.0% | +9.7% |
| Geisinger Quality Options | +13.0% | +10.7% |
| UPMC Health Plan | +15.8% | +13.5% |
| Highmark Inc. | +16.2% | +14.5% |
| Capital Advantage Assurance Company | +18.3% | +14.8% |
| Keystone Health Plan East (Independence) | +14.7% | +16.0% |
| Health Partners Plans (Jefferson) | +15.9% | +18.3% |
| Partners Insurance Company (Jefferson) | +20.5% | +18.8% |
| Highmark Benefits Group | +21.4% | +19.7% |
| QCC Insurance Company (Independence) | +19.9% | +21.3% |
| Keystone Health Plan Central | +33.8% | +33.4% |
| Ambetter Health of Pennsylvania | +40.9% | +35.1% |
Source: Pennsylvania Insurance Department, September 18, 2026. Your own change depends on your plan, age, county and income. Because the gaps are so wide, last year's best deal may not win again. For example, a plan that rose 35% could now cost more than a rival that rose 1.4%. Also, most insurers serve only part of the state, so your choices depend on your county. Before you renew, read what to check before your plan renews.
Compare Pennie Plans With a Licensed AgentA Vivna agent can line up Pennie plans in your county, check your doctors and estimate your savings at no cost. Call 888-730-6031 or request a free quote online.
How Pennie Health Insurance Savings Work in 2027
Pennie offers two kinds of help. First, premium tax credits lower your monthly bill. Second, cost sharing reductions lower your deductible and copays on silver plans if you earn under 250% of the poverty level. Help is still common. According to Pennie, about four out of five enrollees qualify for tax credits. In 2026, subsidized enrollees paid about $145 a month on average, per healthinsurance.org. However, the enhanced federal tax credits expired after 2025. As a result, people who kept their plans saw premiums rise about 102% on average for 2026, according to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. The 400% income cap is also back.| Household size | 138% (Medicaid line) | 400% (tax credit cap) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $45,540 | $132,000 |
Based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines used for 2027 coverage. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid, so adults below 138% usually qualify for Medical Assistance instead. Meanwhile, a state-funded Pennie subsidy has been proposed, but it has not been funded. Just over the cap? Our ACA subsidy cliff guide shows ways to bring your tax credit back.
What's New on Pennie for 2027
- Higher full prices. Rates rise 15.97% on average before savings.
- Fewer immigrants qualify for savings. Starting in 2027, only green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and certain Compact of Free Association residents can get tax credits.
- Medicaid work rules. Starting January 1, 2027, some Medicaid adults must meet work or community engagement rules. People denied Medicaid for not meeting them can't get Pennie savings either.
- Income checks matter more. Check the income consent box when you sign your 2027 application. Otherwise, you could lose your savings.
- Bigger tax bills for wrong income. If your income rises and you don't report it, you may owe money back at tax time.
How to Enroll in Pennie Health Insurance, Step by Step
- Read your renewal notice. Note your new 2027 premium and any plan or network changes.
- Gather your details. Have Social Security numbers, pay stubs or tax returns, and your doctors' names ready.
- Estimate your 2027 income. Count everyone in your tax household, and check it against the limits above.
- Update your Pennie application. Log in at pennie.com, or call a licensed agent to do it with you.
- Compare plans in your county. Weigh the premium, deductible, drug list and hospital network, not just the price.
- Choose by December 15. Then pay your first premium so coverage starts January 1.
If You Miss the Pennie Open Enrollment Deadline
After January 15, you need a qualifying life event to buy a Pennie plan. Common examples are losing job coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. Our special enrollment period guide lists every event and deadline. No life event? Then UnitedHealthcare short-term health insurance can bridge a gap in Pennsylvania for 1 to 3 months, plus a 1-month extension. Keep in mind that it is not ACA coverage. Call 888-730-6031 to compare options.Pennie Health Insurance FAQs
Is Pennie health insurance the same as Obamacare?
Yes. Pennie sells Affordable Care Act plans, often called Obamacare. It is simply Pennsylvania's own version of the marketplace instead of HealthCare.gov.When is Pennie open enrollment for 2027?
It runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start.Can I use HealthCare.gov in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania residents must apply through Pennie to get tax credits. HealthCare.gov will send you to Pennie.How do I contact Pennie?
You can call Pennie at 1-844-844-8040 or visit pennie.com. For free one-on-one plan help, you can also call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031.Does a licensed agent cost extra on Pennie?
No. Vivna's help is free, and you pay the same premium as enrolling on your own.Next Steps for Pennie Open Enrollment
First, read your renewal notice for the new price. Next, update your income on your Pennie application. Finally, compare Pennie health insurance plans and enroll by December 15. Call 888-730-6031 and a licensed agent will walk you through it.Sources
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department: ACA 2027 health insurance rates
- Pennie: What's new
- HAP: 5 things to know about Pennie open enrollment
- healthinsurance.org: Pennsylvania marketplace
- Penn State PORH: 2027 Pennie enrollment period
Related Guides
- Pennsylvania health insurance
- Open enrollment health insurance guide
- Health insurance in Pittsburgh
- Cost sharing reductions
- Special enrollment period
About the author: Heather Sprague
Heather is the owner and agent of record at Vivna Insurance, a licensed independent agency in Deerfield Beach, Florida. She helps families and self-employed workers compare marketplace, short-term and supplemental plans.
Licensed health insurance agent, Vivna Insurance (Agency NPN 19168641). Call 888-730-6031.
Reviewed by Michael Sprague, licensed health insurance agent.
Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website, and is not Pennie or HealthCare.gov. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Plan availability, rates and savings vary by county and income.
