Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller today reminded Pennsylvania consumers that the open enrollment period for 2017 health insurance coverage available through the federal marketplace at www.Healthcare.gov closes at 11:59 p.m. on January 31. More than 413,000 Pennsylvanians are currently enrolled in plans for 2017.
Plans purchased through the close of open enrollment on January 31 will take effect on March 1. If you have coverage effective March 1, you will not be subject to the penalty for not having health insurance coverage. However, if you choose not to enroll and go uninsured for three months or longer, you may be subject to a penalty.
Health insurance plans for 2017 may be purchased online through www.Healthcare.gov or directly from a licensed insurance company. Plans sold on the federal marketplace meet the coverage standards and consumer protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act, which include coverage for pre-existing conditions, free preventive care, and coverage for other essential health benefits. If you buy directly from an insurance company, make sure that the coverage is ACA-compliant.
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