Independence Blue Cross offers variety of options as Open Enrollment for individual and family health plans begins Nov. 1

IBX urges consumers to sign up for health insurance

Independence Blue Cross (IBX), the Philadelphia region's hometown health insurer for over 85 years, will offer a variety of health plan options for individuals and families for 2026. Open Enrollment for these health plans begins November 1, 2025.

From November 1 through December 15, consumers can enroll in health care coverage that begins January 1, 2026. Enrollment continues through January 15, 2026, for health care coverage starting February 1, 2026. This 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.

"At Independence Blue Cross, accessibility is our promise, and affordability is our goal. This Open Enrollment, we're committed to making quality health care available to everyone in our community, ensuring individuals and families can find health plans that fit their needs and their budgets," said Koleen Cavanaugh, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at IBX.

Anyone in 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 15 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 https://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-are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025, unless Congress extends the enhanced premium tax credits. If the enhanced premium tax credits end, many consumers who receive financial help today could see significantly higher monthly premiums in 2026, and some higher-income households could lose eligibility for tax credits altogether.

*Teladoc and Wondr are independent companies.

Media contact:
Grant Gegwich
610-909-3937
[email protected]