The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), also known as the COVID-19 relief package, was signed into law on March 11, 2021, and included significant savings for Pennsylvanians seeking marketplace coverage and those already enrolled in coverage through Pennie. The law increased the amount of financial assistance available to Pennsylvanians to provide relief for those struggling with the pandemic and the economic repercussions. The ARP included an increase in the eligibility for, and the amount of, premium tax credits for Pennsylvanians at all income levels during the 2021 and 2022 plan years, including those historically shut out of assistance due to earning more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. In some cases, lower-income enrollees had their premiums eliminated completely. Pennsylvania taxpayers and their spouses who were eligible to receive unemployment compensation in 2021, were eligible for the maximum levels of financial assistance through Pennie, including advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions (CSR) to significantly reduce the cost of health coverage and care. Many of these households were able to enroll in a silver plan in their area with a $0 premium for the remainder of 2021 and 2022. More than 374,000 enrolled in Pennie marketplace insurance coverage during the 2022 Open Enrollment Period with significant savings; overall coverage increased by 11% due to the ARP. On average, Americans saved $800 per person last year and thousands per family because of the ARP affordability measures.
