The deadline to sign up for health insurance at HealthCare.gov has been extended one day to Thursday for coverage that will start Jan. 1.
Kevin Counihan, CEO of the Health Insurance Marketplaces, announced Wednesday morning the “unprecedented demand and volume” of consumers in the past two days led to the extension. Since the 11:59 p.m. deadline is set for Pacific Standard Time Thursday night, Arkansas and Oklahoma applicants will have until 1:59 a.m. Friday to order a health-care plan.
“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 Jan. 1 coverage until 11:59 p.m. PST Dec. 17,” Counihan stated in a news release.
Hundreds of thousands have selected plans over the last two days at HealthCare.gov, 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 Jan. 1 coverage,” Counihan stated.
In previous open enrollments, additional time was provided to make sure individuals seeking coverage before the deadline can get covered, the release added.
Open enrollment for 2016 coverage at HealthCare.gov ends Jan. 31, but for coverage to begin Jan. 1, plans will need to be selected by the new deadline.