Navigating Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace doesn't have to be complicated. As a PENNIE-certified agent, I guide you through every step — at no extra cost to you.
Mike Martin is an authorized PENNIE-certified broker — PA's official health insurance marketplace.
Pennsylvania's Marketplace
PENNIE is Pennsylvania's official health insurance marketplace — the state-based alternative to the federal HealthCare.gov.
PENNIE (Pennsylvania's Insurance Exchange) launched in 2021 as Pennsylvania's own state-run marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. It's where Pennsylvanians shop for individual and family health insurance plans — and where premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies are applied.
Unlike HealthCare.gov, PENNIE is managed by a Pennsylvania-based team and is designed specifically around the needs and carriers available in our state. Plans are offered by major insurers including Highmark, Capital BlueCross, Ambetter, UPMC Health Plan, and others depending on your county.
Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15 each year. Outside of that window, you can still enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — for example, after losing job-based coverage, getting married, or having a baby.
Many Pennsylvanians qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce their monthly premium. Working with a certified agent costs you nothing — agents are compensated by the insurance carrier, not by you.
Why Work With Mike
Enrolling directly through PENNIE.com is an option — but navigating plan options, subsidy calculations, and carrier networks alone can lead to costly mistakes.
PENNIE-certified agents complete required training on PA-specific plans, subsidy rules, and enrollment procedures — so you get accurate answers, not guesswork.
Many people leave money on the table by not optimizing their subsidy. We'll analyze your income and household to make sure you're getting every dollar of savings you qualify for.
Not all plans cover the same doctors and hospitals. We cross-reference your current providers against available networks so you keep the care you trust.
Formularies vary widely between plans. We verify your specific medications are covered before you enroll — no surprises at the pharmacy.
We complete the PENNIE application with you, handle verification documents, and follow up on any issues — so you don't have to navigate bureaucracy alone.
Our relationship doesn't end at enrollment. We review your plan each year, help with billing questions, and assist with claims or provider issues all year long.
Side-by-Side
Both routes lead to the same plans at the same premiums. Here's what changes:
| What You Get | PENNIE.com Direct | With a Certified Agent (Mike) |
|---|---|---|
| Access to all PENNIE-approved plans | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Same monthly premium price | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Personalized plan comparison & recommendation | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Subsidy optimization review | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Doctor & hospital network verification | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Prescription drug formulary check | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Year-round support & annual review | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Cost to you | Free | Free |
Simple Process
From first call to active coverage in four easy steps.
We talk through your coverage needs, income, household, and any current doctors or medications.
I pull every available PENNIE plan in your area and recommend the best fit for your situation and budget.
We complete your PENNIE application together, applying any eligible premium tax credits or subsidies.
You have my number. I'm here for billing questions, claims help, and your annual coverage review.
Common Questions
Quick answers to the questions I hear most often.
No — your premium is identical whether you enroll through PENNIE.com yourself or with my help. Agents are compensated by the insurance carrier, not by you.
Open Enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 each year. Outside that window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life events like losing job coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
PENNIE is Pennsylvania's state-run ACA marketplace — it replaced HealthCare.gov for PA residents starting in 2021. PA-specific plans, carriers, and customer service all operate through PENNIE.
Subsidies are based on household income and size. Many people who think they earn "too much" still qualify. I run the numbers for you during our free consultation.
It depends on the plan. Not every PENNIE plan covers every provider. I always verify your key doctors and hospital system are in-network before recommending a plan.
I'm licensed and serving clients throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Get expert guidance from a certified agent — at no cost to you. Let's find the right plan together.