Deadline extended to sign-up for January 1 healthcare coverage

Please attribute quote from Kevin Counihan, CEO of the Health Insurance Marketplaces:

 

“Because of the unprecedented demand and volume of consumers contacting our call center or visiting HealthCare.gov, we are extending the deadline to sign-up for January 1 coverage until 11:59pm PST December 17. Hundreds of thousands have already selected plans over the last two days and approximately 1 million consumers have left their contact information to hold their place in line.  Our goal is to provide access to affordable coverage, and the additional 48 hours will give consumers an opportunity to come back and complete their enrollment for January 1 coverage. ”

Background:

·           The final days heading into the December 15 deadline were the busiest we’ve ever experienced at HealthCare.gov.

·           While the website and the call center enrolled people throughout the day, some consumers were asked to wait before logging in to HealthCare.gov or to speak to a call center representative.

·           A number of states, including New York and Minnesota, have announced similar extensions.

·           In previous open enrollments, we’ve provided additional time to make sure individuals seeking coverage before the deadline can get covered.