Tidioute, PA – As the fall health insurance enrollment period approaches, local Pennie representatives are reminding residents that understanding where to go for coverage can be just as important as understanding the coverage itself.
Jennifer Reese, a Pennie-certified assister based out of Tidioute, said one of the most common challenges people face is knowing where to begin when looking for health insurance.
“One of the biggest mistakes I think people make when enrolling in health insurance is understanding where to go for insurance,” Reese said. “Often times we hear that people accidentally went to a different website and then in turn, signed up for insurance that really wasn’t right for them. So it’s important to ensure that you are visiting the official Pennie website.”
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s state-based health insurance marketplace. The exchange provides access to individual health coverage and may offer tax credits to eligible individuals to help reduce monthly premiums.
Lisa Cox, Pennie-certified lead assister, said the process can be overwhelming for people who are unfamiliar with the health insurance system.
“Insurance can be intimidating, and we are here to help you understand it and to walk you through it,” Cox said.
“Pennie is our state-based health exchange that offers tax credits for individuals if you qualify, to help lower your monthly premiums,” she said. “There is special enrollment and open enrollment.”
Cox also explained that Pennie, Medicare and Medicaid serve different populations.
“Pennie is for people ages 64 and under, while Medicare is for people who are 65 and older. Medicaid is based on income, and people at 138% of the federal poverty level or below may qualify. Medicaid is generally free, and that’s the difference between the three,” Cox said.
Local assistance is available in person, with Pennie assisters serving communities throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.
“There are three assisters here in northwestern PA on Lisa’s team. We help people in Hermitage, Tidioute and Meadville in person, but we are always out in the community doing outreach and education,” Reese said.
Reese is currently planning two information sessions in Youngsville, PA for residents who want to learn more about the health insurance enrollment process.
The sessions will be held at the Youngsville Borough office, 40 Railroad Street, at 8:00AM, October 8th and at 5:30PM on October 15th.
“I encourage anyone who may be curious to see if they are eligible for Pennie to come out to the sessions, they are completely free to the public, and can really help you if you are confused about the enrollment process,” Reese said.
Pennie’s open enrollment period runs November 1st through January 15th. Residents who cannot attend an in-person session can find information and assistance through Pennie’s website or by contacting a local Pennie representative at 1-844-844-8040.