Pennsylvania will be transitioning to a state-based marketplace for the 2021 health insurance enrollment period. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) has released the health insurance plan rate filings as required under the Affordable Care Act. All 67 PA counties will have coverage options available for consumers, with a gain of one new insurer in 13 counties. If these rates are finalized as planned, there will be an average statewide premium decrease of 2.6% on the individual market and an increase of 2.2% in the small group market. PID has been watching enrollment trends across all sectors, including employer-sponsored COBRA, Medicaid, CHIP and Marketplace enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of individuals moved to employer-sponsored COBRA plans during the COVID crisis and many of these individuals may be eligible for Medicaid or may seek a special enrollment period through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which will allow consumers access to subsidies for changes in their income due to loss of employment or coverage. Details are available on the PID website.
