Despite requests from multiple states, including Pennsylvania, the Trump Administration decided against reopening the Affordable Care Act enrollment to uninsured Americans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a new initiative this week to allow hospitals to care for patients and bill Medicare and other government payors when they provide services outside traditional hospital settings. This allows for the use of ambulatory surgery centers that have canceled elective surgeries to be used for COVID-19 patient care. In addition, other non-hospital buildings approved by the state also can be used to help expand patient care areas.

Pennsylvania officials are reminding state residents who experience certain major life changes, including the loss of employer-based health care coverage in conjunction with a job loss, are eligible to enroll in health insurance on the federal exchange. Other state-based benefits also may be available for eligible individuals and families.