The American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law by President Biden, includes provisions which will make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.
For this year and next, the bill increases the amount of financial assistance you will receive to offset the cost of insurance premiums for people who buy individual health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is Pennie in Pennsylvania. Previously, only people who earned less than 400% of the federal poverty level were eligible, but now anyone can qualify for one. In addition, no one will pay more than 8.5% of their income on a Marketplace plan. The COVID-19 Relief Enrollment Period began on Feb. 15 and lasts until August 15, 2021.
In addition, The Bill provides assistance for those who are laid off after April 1. People who get health insurance through an employer are often eligible for COBRA when they are laid off. COBRA coverage allows them to stay enrolled in their health plan by paying the full premium. Under the American Rescue Plan, the federal government will subsidize the cost of COBRA coverage for any eligible laid-off workers for six months, meaning they can stay on their health plan for free until Sept. 30.
To find out more about enrolling in the Marketplace, go to: www.Pennie.com or call 844-844-8040. To find out more about the COBRA subsidies, please contact your former employer.