By Kristy Warren

Open enrollment has been extended through January 31, 2026, for health insurance coverage beginning in February. Pennsylvania residents can still enroll in new healthcare coverage, switch healthcare plans, or re-enroll in their current plan on Pennie.com, the Pennsylvania insurance exchange marketplace. 

Laurel Health will hold free enrollment events on January 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Lawrenceville Laurel Health Center, located at 32 East Lawrence Rd. in Lawrenceville, PA. These events are open to the general public; you do not have to be a Laurel Health patient to utilize the free counseling service, which provides an independent review of all available healthcare plans and insurance carriers on Pennie.com.

During the enrollment events, Carla Westlake, Laurel Health's certified application counselor, will to help people review their health plan options and enroll in coverage on Pennie.com. She can also help individuals review if they quality for financial assistance and apply for programs like Medicaid or sliding fee. Appointments are required. To schedule a time to meet, contact 570-723-3424 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“We assist patients with reviewing and comparing their coverage options on the state marketplace and/or through insurance affordability programs like Medicaid and CHIP,” Carla explains. “Our goal is to help everyone find a health plan that is a good fit. Anyone looking for the right affordable coverage is welcome to make an appointment at 570-723-3424. We can also assist with special enrollments throughout the year for those experiencing qualifying life events. Free appointments are available year-round to discuss insurance questions and coverage.”

Carla Westlake has years of experience helping patients review insurance options and navigate enrollment paperwork. She was recently awarded the prestigious APEX Award by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers for her outstanding work with patients and dedication to serving her community.  

For those already on a marketplace plan they would like to renew, it is vital to verify projected 2026 income and household size on pennie.com to avoid any disruptions in coverage. This is also necessary to confirm eligibility for financial assistance.

Insurance Enrollment Deadlines:

• The deadline to enroll in PA healthcare coverage has been extended to Jan. 31, 2026.
  
  
• Laurel Health will host free enrollment events on January 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Lawrenceville Laurel Health Center to help people compare plans, review existing coverage, and enroll in insurance on Pennie. Call 570-723-3424 to book a time.
  
  
• Jan. 31, 2026, is the last day to enroll in pennie.com plans for 2026.
  
  
• If you enroll in January, your health coverage begins on Feb. 1, 2026.
  
  
• Open enrollment is the only time to change health plans unless you experience a life event that qualifies for special enrollment. 

Laurel Health offers free enrollment and application help throughout the open enrollment period as well as special enrollment assistance for people experiencing qualifying life events. Qualifying life events impact the type of insurance a person may need or their access to insurance, such as marriage, welcoming a baby, relocating to a new area, or losing employer-based health coverage. Pennsylvanians experiencing a qualifying event can enroll in or update their Pennie insurance coverage during a special enrollment window.

The Laurel Health Centers aim to make the insurance enrollment process less stressful and empower patients to make informed decisions with independent enrollment counseling. A certified application counselor can help patients compare plans, review eligibility for financial assistance programs, and enroll in healthcare insurance.

Laurel Health provides enrollment assistance for commercial marketplace plans (Pennie), Medicaid, and sliding fee programs. For help with Medicare questions, please contact the social security office or local Area Agency on Aging office.

To make an appointment to discuss health plan options or attend a January enrollment event, contact Carla Westlake at 570-723-3424 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..