Health insurance after a layoff in Pennsylvania
When you lose job-based coverage in Pennsylvania, you have a 60-day window to enroll through the Marketplace, plus the option to keep your old plan through COBRA (usually at full price). Pennsylvania runs its own marketplace, Pennie, at pennie.com. If your income dropped, you may also qualify for Medical Assistance.
Pennsylvania coverage, at a glance
Marketplace
Pennie (state-run)
Special enrollment
60 days from losing job coverage
Medicaid
Medical Assistance, expanded (to ~138% FPL)
2026 update: the enhanced pandemic-era Marketplace subsidies expired December 31, 2025. Subsidies still exist but are smaller, and the income cutoff is back, so price your real numbers at pennie.com rather than assuming. If your income dropped a lot, a subsidized Marketplace plan can still beat COBRA.
Both clocks run about 60 days: COBRA gives you 60 days to elect (retroactive to when your plan ended), and the Marketplace gives you a 60-day Special Enrollment window. Don't let either run out.
This is general information, not insurance or financial advice. Confirm plans, prices, and eligibility at pennie.com before you rely on them.
Pennsylvania health coverage FAQ
Where do I buy health insurance in Pennsylvania after a layoff?
Pennsylvania runs its own marketplace, Pennie. Enroll at pennie.com. Losing job-based coverage opens a 60-day Special Enrollment window, so you don't have to wait for open enrollment. You can also keep your old plan through COBRA, usually at full price.
Do I qualify for Medicaid in Pennsylvania if I lost my job?
Possibly. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid (Medical Assistance), so adults can qualify based on current income (generally up to 138% of the federal poverty level). A job loss can make you newly eligible; you can apply any time, not just during open enrollment.
How long do I have to get a Marketplace plan in Pennsylvania?
A 60-day Special Enrollment Period that starts when you lose job-based coverage. Subsidies are based on what you expect to earn this year, not last year, so enter your expected income at pennie.com to see your real cost. Note: 2026 subsidy rules changed (see below).
Keep going
COBRA vs. the Marketplace, compared
The two 60-day windows, the real costs, and the 2026 subsidy change.
File for unemployment in Pennsylvania
The official Pennsylvania portal, the waiting week, and what to have ready.
Health coverage in another state
Where to enroll and the Medicaid rules for every other state.
Reviewed June 2026. Marketplaces, subsidies, and Medicaid rules change; confirm current details at the officialPennsylvania site (pennie.com) or healthcare.gov before relying on them.