As Congress debates ACA subsidies, Pennsylvania extends Pennie enrollment deadline

Pennsylvanians now have until Dec. 31 to enroll in the commonwealth’s health insurance marketplace.

Pennsylvania officials have postponed to the end of December the deadline for enrolling in the commonwealth’s Affordable Care Act marketplace as consumers navigate federal uncertainties and the possibility of sharp cost hikes.

The last day for signing up for Pennie coverage was originally Dec. 15, but program administrators said they wanted to give consumers more time to weigh their options and choose the right plan for their households. The deadline now is Dec. 31.

Monthly premium costs for the roughly 500,000 Pennie enrollees are set to roughly double in 2026 with the possible expiration of federal tax subsidies that made this coverage more affordable. Republicans and Democrats in Congress are at odds about whether to extend the credits before year’s end. 

However, officials at Pennie advised consumers against waiting to see how this congressional debate plays out. 

“Enrolling now can ensure 2026 health coverage that best fits needs and budgets for next year,” they said in a Dec. 16 announcement. “Should federal policies change at any point, Pennie will make sure enrollees have time to update and enroll in new health plans.”

They also urged current recipients to make sure their Pennie account information is up to date, noting that new federal rules are imposing stricter penalties for inaccurate income data. 

Consumers can find more information about the recent federal changes here. To enroll in Pennie coverage, you can go to pennie.com or call the program’s customer service line at 844-844-8040 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.