Consumers must enroll in a plan on or before Thursday to have coverage effective at the beginning of the year, Miller said.
“When enrolling in a plan, it is important that you try to avoid having a lapse in your coverage,” said Miller. “Enrolling in a plan before the Dec. 15 deadline ensures that you will have coverage beginning Jan. 1 and can have peace of mind that your health is protected going into the new year.”
Health insurance plans for 2017 can be purchased online through Healthcare.gov or directly from a licensed insurance company. Plans sold on the federal marketplace meet the coverage standards and consumer protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
Although there is uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act, the law is still in place and Miller strongly encouraged Pennsylvanians who currently receive insurance through the federal marketplace or consumers who are shopping for the first time to ensure that they enroll in coverage prior to the Dec. 15 deadline.
Open enrollment for 2017 health insurance coverage continues through Jan. 31. Coverage purchased on or before Dec. 15 will take effect Jan. 1.
For more information on health insurance or to contact the Insurance Department’s Bureau of Consumer Services, people can visit www.insurance.pa.gov or call (877) 881-6388.