Pennie dates for 2027 coverage
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts for 2027 plans. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. If you enroll after December 15, your coverage starts later than January 1. |
Outside Open Enrollment you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, getting married or moving. Pennie says anyone who loses Medical Assistance mid-year because their income went up could enroll in a Pennie plan outside Open Enrollment. See special enrollment periods.
What's different in Pennsylvania
- 2027 rates: the Insurance Department approved an average 15.97% increase for individual plans, down from 17.14% requested, and denied $94.7 million in increases it found unjustified. Approved changes ranged from 1.4% to 35.1% depending on the insurer. Small group plans rose an average of 10.28%.
- Reinsurance: a 2019 state law (Act 42) created a program that reimburses insurers for high-cost claims, which lowers premiums before tax credits. It's funded by Pennie's user fees and federal pass-through money. The Insurance Department says consumers saved 4% to 6% on premiums on average from 2021 to 2025, and it asked federal officials to extend the program for up to five years starting with 2026.
- No state premium subsidy funded for 2027 (as of our check): in a May 2026 fact sheet, Pennie asked for a state affordability program funded at $50 million and running no later than Open Enrollment 2027. We found no announcement that it was funded. Check pennie.com for the latest.
- No state coverage mandate: Pennsylvania doesn't charge its own penalty for going without coverage. See states with a health insurance penalty.
Enhanced federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025, and Pennie says premiums doubled on average for people who kept coverage in 2026. The original premium tax credits remain, and Pennie says four out of five enrollees qualify for them. See premium tax credit.
Federal changes Pennie enrollees should know for 2027
- Immigrant eligibility: starting in 2027, only lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people covered by a Compact of Free Association can get financial savings through Pennie.
- Repayment at tax time: if your household income ends up higher than what you told Pennie, you may owe back extra tax credits, and Pennie warns that federal changes mean more penalties when income isn't updated. Update your income in your Pennie account when it changes, including a spouse's raise.
- Medicaid work rules: if Medical Assistance is denied because someone didn't meet the new work and community engagement requirements, Pennie says they will not be eligible for financial savings through Pennie, only full-price plans.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and CHIP
Medical Assistance is Pennsylvania's Medicaid program, run by the Department of Human Services (DHS). CHIP covers children. Pennie and DHS work together so qualified Pennsylvanians land in Medicaid, CHIP or a Pennie plan.
| Household size | Medicaid income limit, 138% of poverty guidelines (yearly) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $29,864 |
| 3 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $45,540 |
| Each additional person | $7,839 |
Starting January 1, 2027, DHS says adults ages 19 to 64 who don't have a dependent child under 14 and don't qualify for an exemption must meet work requirements, and some recipients must renew every six months instead of every year. Coverage doesn't change automatically on January 1: current recipients report at their next renewal in 2027. DHS runs an information line at 1-877-883-6383. See Medicaid income limits.
How to enroll, and where Gabriel fits
- Gather your details: photo ID, Social Security numbers, recent pay stubs, your latest tax return, and immigration documents if they apply.
- Apply online at pennie.com, by phone at 1-844-844-8040, or with free help from a Pennie-certified assister or licensed agent.
- Compare plans on the premium after tax credits, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and the network. Cost-sharing reductions only come with Silver plans.
- Pick by December 15 for January 1 coverage, then pay the first premium (Pennie calls it the binder payment).
Gabriel can quote Marketplace plans for your ZIP code and household, show the price after any tax credit, and open your own application with a licensed agent in most states. You choose the plan and finish the application. Separate from insurance, Gabriel Core is $49 per adult a month (kids under 18 included) with member prices close to cost on lab tests, supplements, prescriptions and bioregulators, plus unlimited virtual urgent care and virtual primary care.
Gabriel is not an insurer. Health insurance quotes and enrollment are handled by Gabriel Labs, Gabriel's separately licensed insurance agency. Gabriel membership is not health insurance, doesn't count as minimum essential coverage, and doesn't replace a health plan's protection against large medical bills.
Common questions
When is Pennie open enrollment for 2027?
Pennie's Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1.
What is the cheapest health insurance in Pennsylvania?
There's no single cheapest plan. Prices depend on age, region, household income and insurer, and approved 2027 increases ranged from 1.4% to 35.1% by insurer, so compare plans on Pennie, where tax credits apply.
Can I get a Pennie special enrollment period?
Yes, with a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, marriage or a move. Pennie says losing Medical Assistance mid-year because of an income increase can also let you enroll outside Open Enrollment.
Does Pennsylvania have its own health insurance subsidy?
Not for 2027 as of October 17, 2026. Pennie asked the state to fund a $50 million affordability program, but we found no announcement that it was funded; federal tax credits and the state reinsurance program still lower costs.
Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania doesn't have its own coverage mandate or state tax penalty.
Sources
- What's New: Changes for Pennie Enrollees Pennie
- Board of Directors meeting minutes, July 23, 2026 Pennie
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department Releases Affordable Care Act 2027 Health Insurance Rates Pennsylvania Insurance Department
- Pennsylvania's 1332 Waiver Extension Application Pennsylvania Insurance Department
- Funding Pennsylvania's Health Insurance Affordability Program Pennie
- Medicaid Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
- Changes Coming to Medicaid in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.