Is Pennie the same as Obamacare?

Asked by: Maxwell Upton  |  Last update: June 27, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)

The comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010 (sometimes known as the ACA, or “Obamacare”). Pennie operates Pennsylvania's state-based marketplace in accordance with the ACA. The law provides numerous customer benefits and protections, including: Making health coverage more accessible and affordable.

Are Pennie and HealthCare.gov the same?

Do you know Pennie®? Pennsylvania has transitioned from Healthcare.gov to its own state-based health insurance marketplace—Pennie. You may have questions. Let us help you make sense of Pennie.

What kind of insurance is Pennie?

Pennie is the official online marketplace made possible by the State of Pennsylvania and the top private insurance companies to provide affordable, high quality health insurance plans to Pennsylvanians.

What is Obamacare called now?

Affordable Care Act (ACA) The comprehensive health care reform law was enacted in March 2010. A measure of income issued every year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

How does Pennie verify income?

Proof of Household Income. Paycheck stubs showing employee information, pay date or pay period, and gross amount of pay, for the 4 weeks prior to the date listed on your notice. 1040 federal or state tax return from the previous year if representative of attested income.

How to Buy Health Insurance on HealthCare.gov (or your State's Marketplace)

44 related questions found

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

Can I refuse health insurance from my employer and get Obamacare?

Obamacare is available to everyone, whether or not their employers offer insurance. From a practical standpoint, though, there are financial consequences to doing this. Often, an employer subsidizes part or all of their employees' coverage.

Is Pennie a good option?

Pennie gets you high quality coverage, which means each plan sold through Pennie must include the 10 essential health benefits from the Affordable Care Act.

Why did PA switch to Pennie?

By establishing Pennie, the state can offer access to health insurance products from private insurers. As of 2022 – the most recent year such statistics were available – Pennsylvania ranked ninth in the country for the lowest uninsured rate, with 5.4% of its population lacking health insurance.

What is the cheapest health insurance in PA?

Best and cheapest health insurance in Pennsylvania
  • $411/mo. Highmark: Best overall. Highmark: Best overall.
  • $349/mo. Ambetter: Cheapest Silver plan. Ambetter: Cheapest Silver plan.
  • $327/mo. UPMC Health Plan: Cheapest Gold plan. UPMC Health Plan: Cheapest Gold plan.

Who funds Pennie?

Pennie is an independent state agency that receives funding from a user fee applied to health plans and paid by the customer's respective insurance company.

Can you enroll with Pennie at any time?

This is the yearly period when you can buy health insurance. If you don't enroll during this time, you can't sign up until the next one, except in limited instances, called special enrollment periods. Pennie's Open Enrollment Period runs yearly from November 1 to January 15.

Can I use Pennie if my employer offers insurance?

Who can buy health insurance through Pennie? Pennsylvanians can apply for health insurance through Pennie even if they have an offer of job-provided insurance.

Who is exempt from Obamacare?

If you're seeking an exemption because you can't afford coverage, you're a member of a federally recognized tribe, you're incarcerated, or you participate in a recognized health care sharing ministry, you have two options: The exemptions can be claimed when you complete your federal tax return.

What is the best HealthCare insurance?

Investopedia's analysis ranks Kaiser Permanente as the best health insurance company for 2025 because of its blend of affordability and low customer complaints. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna also earned top marks. We evaluated nine insurers using dozens of criteria, such as customer satisfaction, plan types, and costs.

What disqualifies you from the premium tax credit?

For tax years other than 2021 and 2022, if your household income on your tax return is more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size, you are not allowed a premium tax credit and will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your tax family members.

Is Obamacare worth it?

Proponents of the health care legislation, frequently referred to as Obamacare, have called it a historic political achievement and landmark legislation that reformed the US health care system by lowering health care costs, making health care more affordable, and protecting consumers.

Does social security count as income for Obamacare?

Include both taxable and non-taxable Social Security income. Enter the full amount before any deductions. Include all unemployment compensation that you get from your state.

What is the best health insurance for unemployed people?

The best health insurance for unemployed individuals depends on your specific needs and financial situation. Medicaid offers health coverage for those with little to no income. For others, the Health Insurance Marketplace may provide affordable plans, especially for those eligible for financial help to lower costs.

How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.