IBX encourages individuals and families to sign up by Dec. 31 for coverage starting Jan. 1
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is pleased to share the news that Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, recently extended the deadline for individuals and families to sign up for health plans for 2026.
The deadline for consumers to enroll in health care coverage that begins January 1, 2026, is now December 31 – an extension from the original December 15 deadline. Enrollment continues through January 15, 2026, for health care coverage starting February 1, 2026.
IBX, Philadelphia’s hometown health insurer for 85 years, is offering a variety of health plan options for individuals and families for 2026. Open Enrollment is the only time each year when individuals and families can enroll in or change their health plan unless they experience a qualifying life event.
Anyone in the five-county southeastern Pennsylvania region who does not have health care coverage through an employer or a government program can enroll in a health plan for themselves and their families through the Pennie exchange or directly on ibx.com. If you are already enrolled in an IBX health plan, no action is needed to stay covered.
IBX wants to help consumers build and maintain good health, and it designs its health plans with that in mind.
Every IBX health plan provides lower out-of-pocket costs for virtual visits with in-network doctors and behavioral health providers using telehealth. Additionally, members have access to $0 unlimited virtual care visits for primary care, behavioral health, and dermatology services through Teladoc (cost-sharing may apply for catastrophic and HSA-qualified health plans).
For many additional services, members will pay $0 out-of-pocket, including preventive care like annual checkups, cancer screenings, and immunizations, as well as nutritional counseling. IBX health plans also reward members up to $300 for healthy behaviors, such as visiting their doctor or signing up for tips and reminders to help improve their overall health.
IBX members also receive valuable services like access to Registered Nurse Health Coaches 24/7, mental health support through our Behavioral Health care team and digital weight management programming through Wondr*, and diabetes and hypertension management programs.
What to do now
- Shop and Compare: Interested individuals should visit ibx.com to compare 2026 plans and check eligibility for financial help. Even if a consumer likes their current plan, new savings and plan options may be available for 2026.
- Update information: Those who are interested in receiving tax credits should update their household and income information with the state-based exchange pennie.com so they can accurately calculate any tax credits for which they may qualify.
- Sign-up for coverage: Enroll by December 31 for coverage that starts on January 1, 2026
How to sign up
On the telephone
IBX-licensed agents are available by telephone at 1-888-475-6206 (TTY: 711) to answer questions and help consumers enroll in health care coverage from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., except major holidays.
Online
Consumers can visit www.ibx.com/healthplan to find the health insurance that is right for them and enroll in a health plan directly with IBX. The state-based exchange, pennie.com, is the only place consumers can enroll in health plans with financial assistance, and Pennie will make the final determination for tax credit or premium subsidy eligibility.
In-person
Consumers can visit Independence LIVE on the second floor of 1919 Market Street in Philadelphia to meet with a licensed agent and enroll in a 2026 health plan, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except major holidays.
For Spanish-speaking consumers, IBX has licensed, Spanish-speaking sales agents available by phone at 1-844-315-4884. There is also an easy-to-use Spanish-language website at ibx.com/mas.
Federal tax credit update
Enhanced federal premium tax credits — originally expanded during the pandemic and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act — will expire on December 31, 2025. This will cause many consumers who receive financial help through the enhanced premium tax credits today to see higher monthly premiums in 2026. Financial help is still available, and we encourage consumers to see if they are eligible by visiting ibx.com/calculator.
*Teladoc and Wondr are independent companies.
Media contact:
Grant Gegwich
610-909-3937
grant.gegwich@ibx.com
