Pennsylvania Health Insurance 2026

Pennsylvania launched Pennie as its state-based exchange in 2021 and paired it with a Section 1332 reinsurance waiver that has reduced benchmark premiums by approximately 10–15%. The marketplace offers 70–110 plans, with UPMC Health Plan, Geisinger, and Oscar as leading carriers. Silver premiums average $440–$460/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros have the most competitive markets with broader networks; rural central and northern Pennsylvania counties face limited carrier participation. Pennie's state administration allows more flexible outreach to Pennsylvania's diverse immigrant and rural communities.

Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid in 2015 through the HealthChoices program. The expansion has covered over 700,000 Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania's Medicaid program is managed care-based and includes physical, behavioral, and long-term care components. Pennie's creation allowed Pennsylvania to extend enrollment windows, implement enhanced navigator funding, and set plan quality standards beyond federal minimums. The state has actively pursued enrollment among young adults, a demographic that historically had lower take-up rates.