TIOGA COUNTY, PA—Beginning November 1, Pennsylvania residents can enroll in new healthcare coverage or switch healthcare plans on the Pennsylvania insurance exchange marketplace, known as “Pennie.” Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15, 2023 on Pennie.com, but patients must enroll by December 15 for coverage to begin at the start of the new year (January 1). 

If you need help finding a health plan that’s a good fit for you and your family or help navigating Pennie’s online marketplace, the Laurel Health Centers are here to help with free enrollment counseling and support. Counseling is open to everyone; you do not have to be a Laurel Health patient to use this free service.  

“We assist patients with understanding and comparing their options for coverage on the state marketplace and/or insurance affordability programs like Medicaid and CHIP,” explains Carla Westlake, Laurel Health’s certified application counselor, who was recently recognized with the APEX Award for her outstanding work with patients by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers. “Our goal is to help everyone find a health plan that is a good fit. Anyone planning to enroll in health insurance this fall or who is currently uninsured / underinsured and looking for the right affordable coverage is welcome to make an appointment.” 

Open Enrollment Period – Key Dates to Know: 

• Open enrollment for health insurance runs from Nov. 1, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023 
• Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2023; if you enroll after Dec. 15, your health coverage begins Feb. 1, 2023 
• Jan. 15, 2023 is the last day to enroll in Pennie.com marketplace plans, but if you have a qualifying life event or lose your health insurance outside of the open enrollment period, you may be eligible for special enrollment 

The Laurel Health Centers aim to make the insurance enrollment process less stressful and empower patients to make informed decisions. Their certified application counselor helps patients compare plans, review eligibility for financial assistance programs, and enroll in healthcare insurance. The Laurel Health Centers provide enrollment assistance for commercial marketplace plans (Pennie.com), Medicaid, and sliding fee programs; for help with Medicare plans, patients should contact their social security office or local Area Agency on Aging office.  

Free appointments are available year-round to discuss insurance concerns, and enrollment / application help is available throughout the full open enrollment period.  

To review health plans, insurance resources, and enrollment FAQs, visit pennie.com.  

To make an appointment to discuss your health plan options, contact Carla Westlake at 570-723-3424 or westlakec@laurelhc.org. For more information about Laurel Health’s enrollment assistance services, visit laurelhc.org.