Special Enrollment Period Provides Second Chance for Pennsylvanians Impacted by COVID-19 to Find Healthcare Coverage

As COVID-19 continues to impact employment across the country, Pennsylvanians have a second chance to enroll in healthcare coverage through the state-based marketplace — Pennie.

During this special enrollment period, anyone can enroll in a plan through Pennie until August 15. The recently passed American Rescue Plan also includes updates that result in significant additional savings for Pennsylvanians shopping for coverage and those already enrolled through Pennie.

“Everyone should have access to healthcare, and many Pennsylvanians are unaware of all the coverage options that are available to them or that they may qualify for financial assistance,” said Kurt J. Wrobel, Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) president and executive vice president of insurance operations for Geisinger. “We can help you enroll in the right plan so you don’t have to go without coverage and have to pay for COVID-19 related treatment and services on your own.”

It’s also smart to explore all options when it comes to coverage and financial assistance. That includes government programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which offers comprehensive coverage for children and teens up to age 19.

According to a recent study, nearly half of all uninsured Americans did not consider all their options for healthcare coverage and financial assistance.

Many uninsured adults were also aware of publicly subsidized coverage options, but assumed they didn’t qualify. However, nearly 9 out of 10 people covered by plans through Pennie receive financial assistance and their savings increased this year.

GHP can help Pennsylvanians enroll in the right healthcare coverage and apply for financial assistance. Here’s how to find out about coverage options:
• For marketplace coverage, call 866-325-8108 or visit go.geisinger.org/Marketplace
• For CHIP, call 855-955-1441 or visit go.geisinger.org/GHPKids
• For Medicare, call 855-605-1517 or visit go.geisinger.org/Gold