Pennie's Contact Center Hours for 2027 Enrollment, Resources Available for Those Affected by SNAP Changes, and more

Rep. Jeanne McNeill October 16, 2026 | 12:46 PM

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Para los lectores en español, para una versión completa de este correo electrónico, haga clic aquí.

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well.

I want to share with you some valuable information on state programs and services and exciting updates from around the district. My staff and I are available to assist you with your concerns and access to state-related programs and services at my Whitehall office, located at 1080 Schadt Ave., so please stop by or call 610-266-1273.

You can also send me an email by clicking here.

And thank you for allowing me into your inbox to keep you informed of what’s happening in Harrisburg and our legislative district.

Pennie Announces Contact Center Hours for 2027 Open Enrollment

Pennie’s 2027 Open Enrollment Period begins Nov. 1, giving Pennsylvanians an opportunity to review their health coverage options and enroll in a plan that meets their needs and budget.

Pennie’s contact centers will offer extended hours during Open Enrollment, which runs through Jan. 15, 2027. Customer service representatives can help with enrollment questions, while a separate line is available for brokers and assisters.

The Pennie Customer Line is 844-844-8040, and the Broker/Assister Line is 844-844-4440. Hours vary by date, so residents are encouraged to review the attached schedule before calling.

For additional enrollment information and assistance finding local help, visit Pennie.com.

Need Help with Food? Resources are Available

Changes to SNAP benefits are beginning to affect households, and I know that losing access to food assistance can put additional strain on family budgets. If you or someone you know is having difficulty affording groceries, there are resources available to help.

Local food banks and food pantries can help individuals and families facing food insecurity. Residents can also contact my office for help connecting with government programs and other available community resources.

For older adults, the Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program provides monthly boxes of food, including fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy products, to eligible low-income seniors. To learn more, call 800-468-2433 or email RAfooddist@pa.gov.

No one should have to navigate these challenges alone.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications

Applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025 are still being accepted. This program is available to Pennsylvanians age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, and individuals with disabilities age 18 or older. The deadline to apply has been extended until December 31. For more information, to see if you qualify, and to apply, contact my office or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website.

Completed rebate applications will be accepted in person until December 18th. Applications may also be mailed but must be postmarked by December 31st.

Report Your Boat Fuel Usage

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is conducting its annual boat fuel consumption survey to help determine the Oil Company Franchise Tax refund the commission receives on behalf of registered boaters.

A random sample of approximately 20,000 motorboat registrants will be invited to report their fuel use from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2026. If you received a survey invitation by mail or email, please take a few minutes to participate.

Learn more about the survey.

Veterans Office Hours this coming Monday

Are you a veteran or do you know a veteran who would be interested in learning about what state and local government-related programs and services are available to them? A veteran service officer from the American Legion will be at my office to help next week on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call to schedule an appointment (610) 266-1273.

Survey to Hear from Patients Impacted by Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month might have ended, but the work to improve prostate cancer care continues.

ZERO Prostate Cancer is conducting the BEACON Survey to hear from patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, health care professionals and others impacted by prostate cancer. The goal is to gather insights that can help inform research, improve care and shape future policy.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by prostate cancer, consider participating.

Take the survey: https://zerocancer.org/survey

Learn more about support services and resources: https://zerocancer.org/support.

PennDOT Innovation Challenge for Students

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Innovations Challenge invites students in grades 9–12 to show their creativity and problem-solving skills by creating solutions that improve safety in work zones — protecting workers and drivers.

Finalists will present their ideas to PennDOT leaders, with a cash prize awarded to the statewide winner.

All submissions are due by January 29. You can learn more about the competition here.

State Police Accepting Applications for 2027 Hill Impact Program

Young people between the ages of 15 and 18 who are interested in a career in law enforcement can now apply for the Pennsylvania State Police’s 2027 Hill Impact Program, which will offer a new location in the Lehigh Valley.

The free, 11-week program begins in mid-January and gives participants an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Pennsylvania State Police. Participants meet one evening each week for instruction covering law enforcement principles, physical fitness, paramilitary discipline and the history of the PSP.

The program is designed to give young people a closer look at law enforcement and what a career in the field entails.

Applications are being accepted through Jan. 1, 2027. In addition to the Lehigh Valley, the program will be offered in Erie, Greensburg, Hershey, Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre.

Those interested in participating can find additional information and apply now.

State Police Hiring Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees

The Pennsylvania State Police are also accepting applications for Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees through Nov. 27 for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. The position includes approximately 16 weeks of training, with an annual salary of about $56,541 after completing the academy.

Liquor Enforcement Officers are part of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, which enforces Pennsylvania’s liquor laws.

Those interested in applying can review the job requirements and submit an application through the state’s online employment portal. The application deadline is Nov. 27.