WHAT TO DO IF YOU DON’T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE

Not having health insurance can seem overwhelming. But there are many available options for receiving the care that you need. Whether you don’t have insurance or you don’t have enough of it, we’re here to help. Because everyone deserves peace of mind when it comes to healthcare. From Pennie marketplace plans, public programs like Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare, to compassionate, expert care through local clinics and STAR Community Health—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

EXPLORE PENNIE—PENNSYLVANIA’S HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE

If you’re looking for affordable coverage, start with Pennie, the official state marketplace. With Pennie, you can choose from a variety of high-quality insurance plans. You may also qualify for financial assistance to help lower your monthly insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Learn about Pennie

Open enrollment: You can enroll in Pennie from November 1 to January 15.

If you miss this deadline and have experienced a life change, such as losing your job or having a baby, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.

Did you miss open enrollment?

If you miss the deadline for open enrollment but did not experience a life change, Path to Pennie can help. Path to Pennie supplies a form to file with your state tax return, which indicates you’re uninsured. After you file your return, you’ll receive details about financial assistance and how to sign up for coverage.

Path to Pennie

In-person & phone support: Have questions? Visit the Pennie website to send them a message or to find local, in-person support.

You can also call them at 1-844-844-8040 for assistance.

CONSIDER PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS: MEDICARE, MEDICAID & CHIP

You may qualify for one of Pennsylvania’s public health programs, which provide assistance with healthcare coverage.

MEDICAID

Covers various services, including doctor visits, hospital stays and prescriptions, at little to no cost based on income.

Pennsylvania opens enrollment year-round via its COMPASS portal.

More information

CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)

Provides free or low-cost health coverage for kids.
Best for working families whose income is too high for Medicaid.

More information

MEDICARE

Federal program primarily for those 65+; you may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, permanent kidney failure or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Enrollment windows include an initial enrollment period (generally 3 months before you turn 65) and annual open enrollment Oct 15 – Dec 7.

More information

LOCAL CLINICS NEAR YOU

Even without insurance, you can still get high-quality care through the following local resources:

STAR COMMUNITY HEALTH

As a FQHC, we’re committed to helping you access care – no insurance required. Our financial counselors offer:

Sliding fee discount program—Our clinics use income-based fees to keep services affordable for all.
Patient navigators—We assist with enrollment in Pennie, Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare and COBRA.
On-site clinics and referrals—If you need specialized care, we provide referrals and coordination.

Visit us today
Request an appointment

FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS (FQHC)

Community-based clinics offering sliding-fee care to uninsured or low-income patients.
They provide primary care, dental, mental health and support services regardless of your ability to pay.

Find a PA FQ Health Center

PENNSYLVANIA CHARITABLE HEALTHCARE COALITION

Advocacy organization for Pennsylvanians who don’t have health insurance or are underinsured.
You can search for free or low-cost clinics by county on their website.

Find a clinic near you