HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday reminded Pennsylvanians that the deadline to enroll in 2019 individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is Saturday, December 15.
“Whether you’re generally healthy, have significant health needs, or experience an unexpected illness or injury, comprehensive health coverage is critical to your well-being,” Gov Wolf said. “And I want every Pennsylvanian to have a chance for a healthy, full life.”
The only place to enroll in individual coverage that begins January 1, and to receive subsidies is at Healthcare.gov. There, you will find health insurance plans that provide comprehensive health care and are required to cover essential health benefits, including outpatient and preventive services, emergency services and hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder, prescription drugs and lab services, rehabilitation, and pediatric care.
After December 15, Pennsylvanians must wait until next November to enroll unless they experience certain life events such as marriage, the birth of a child or a move.
Information on the various plans available in Pennsylvania and where to seek enrollment assistance is available through the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at insurance.pa.gov.
You may also visit Consumers’ Checkbook at PA.checkbookhealth.org to view plan options, estimate monthly premiums and total annual out-of-pocket costs for each plan, and learn how to buy a plan.
When choosing an ACA plan, you may want to ask:
- Does this plan cover my pre-existing condition?
- Are preventive doctor visits covered? How about emergencies?
- Is maternity and newborn care covered?
- Are prescription drug benefits covered?
- Does it cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment?
Many Pennsylvanians qualify for a subsidy to offset their monthly premium and assistance is available to help individuals sign up for coverage.
There are several free enrollment events this week to help those interested in learning more about or enrolling in an ACA plan:
- Wednesday, December 12, from 4-6 p.m., at Adams County Library, 140 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg.
- Wednesday, December 12, from 4-6 p.m., at Adams Memorial Library, 1112 Ligonier Street, Latrobe.
- Thursday, December 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Honey Brook Community Library, 687 Compass Road, Honey Brook (Chester County).
“We’re never as prepared for the unknown as we want to be, but you can start by making important choices about your health coverage,” Gov. Wolf said.
