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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the biggest mistakes I think people make when enrolling in health insurance is understanding where to go for insurance,\u201d Reese said. \u201cOften times we hear that people accidentally went to a different website and then in turn, signed up for insurance that really wasn\u2019t right for them. So it\u2019s important to ensure that you are visiting the official Pennie website.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pennie is Pennsylvania\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Lisa Cox, Pennie-certified lead assister, said the process can be overwhelming for people who are unfamiliar with the health insurance system.<\/p>\n
\u201cInsurance can be intimidating, and we are here to help you understand it and to walk you through it,\u201d Cox said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennie is our state-based health exchange that offers tax credits for individuals if you qualify, to help lower your monthly premiums,\u201d she said. \u201cThere is special enrollment and open enrollment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cox also explained that Pennie, Medicare and Medicaid serve different populations.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennie 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\u2019s the difference between the three,\u201d Cox said.<\/p>\n
Local assistance is available in person, with Pennie assisters serving communities throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere 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,\u201d Reese said.<\/p>\n
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Reese is currently planning two information sessions in Youngsville, PA for residents who want to learn more about the health insurance enrollment process.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Reese said.<\/p>\n