Pennie, Pennsylvania’s Health Insurance Exchange, has exciting news for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, announcing that they can now enroll in health coverage through Pennie. See below for details.
What is happening?
- Effective November 1, 2024, DACA recipients will be recognized as lawfully present in Pennsylvania, allowing them to enroll in health coverage through Pennie, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements, which may include income verification and residency status.
- A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) will commence on November 1, 2024, granting DACA recipients a crucial 60-day window to enroll in coverage through Pennie. During this period, they should select the SEP “Gain of Eligible Immigration Status” when completing their application.
- For those who enroll in Pennie in November, their health coverage will take effect on December 1, 2024. Conversely, DACA recipients who choose to enroll in December will have their coverage start a month later, on January 1, 2025.
How You Can Help:
- When DACA recipients attempt to enroll in Medicaid and find themselves denied due to their immigration status, it’s crucial to inform them about Pennie, where they can access quality, affordable health coverage. Direct them to visit pennie.com for more information on their options.
- DACA recipients will face denial from Medicaid, highlighting that the updated eligibility requirements exclusively pertain to State Based Health Insurance Marketplaces such as Pennie.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: These individuals will not be automatically transitioned to Pennie in instances where they are found ineligible for Medicaid, requiring proactive steps to enroll.
- For further inquiries or guidance, individuals can reach out to Pennie Customer Service at +1-844-844-8040 for assistance.
How can DACA recipients prepare for the upcoming Special Enrollment Period starting November 1, 2024?
**Interview with Maria Torres, Director of Outreach at Pennie**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. There’s exciting news for DACA recipients in Pennsylvania regarding health coverage. Can you explain what’s changing?
**Maria Torres:** Absolutely! As of November 1, 2024, DACA recipients will be recognized as lawfully present in Pennsylvania. This means they will finally have the opportunity to enroll in health coverage through Pennie, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
**Editor:** That’s a significant development! Can you elaborate on what those eligibility requirements are?
**Maria Torres:** Of course. In addition to being recognized as lawfully present, DACA recipients will need to verify their income and residency status. This ensures that they qualify for the appropriate health plans offered through the exchange.
**Editor:** So, what should DACA recipients do to prepare for this enrollment?
**Maria Torres:** Starting November 1, 2024, there will be a Special Enrollment Period lasting 60 days specifically for DACA recipients. It’s important for them to gather their necessary documentation, including proof of income and residency, so they can take advantage of this opportunity as soon as it opens.
**Editor:** What message do you want to convey to the DACA community regarding this new opportunity?
**Maria Torres:** We want the DACA community to know that they are valued and that their health matters. This is a historic step toward ensuring access to quality health coverage. We encourage everyone to stay informed, visit our website, and reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Maria. This is indeed a momentous change, and it’s great to see Pennie providing more inclusive health coverage options.
**Maria Torres:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited to support more Pennsylvanians in accessing healthcare.
