BOOM: CoveredCA extends Jan. coverage deadline 2 more days as well!

This isn't particularly surprising now that HealthCare.Gov has already done the same thing, but it's still big news:

COVERED CALIFORNIA EXTENDS ENROLLMENT DEADLINE FOR JAN. 1 COVERAGE

Current enrollment surpasses last year’s demand

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Due to very high demand for health insurance through Covered California, the deadline to enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1 will be extended until Dec. 17 to accommodate the surge in interest.

The Service Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17.

“The spike in interest we are seeing in the last few days tells us there is continued demand for quality, affordable coverage,” said Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We already have enrolled more consumers this year for Jan. 1 coverage than we did last year.”

Covered California has heard from our certified enrollers, including agents, that they still are processing thousands of applications and appreciate the additional time to ensure consumers receive coverage for all of 2016.

“We want to make sure everyone calling for coverage gets the help they need,” Lee said.

Consumers should know there are a multitude of ways to enroll, including online at www.CoveredCA.com. Enrollment locations can be found by visiting www.CoveredCA.com/get-help/local and searching for enrollment help by ZIP code. In addition, hundreds of locations with Covered California signage mark places where consumers can enroll confidentially and at no cost in a variety of languages. Consumers can also call Covered California directly at (800) 300-1506 to enroll over the phone.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31. Consumers who enroll after Dec. 17 will have their coverage start in either February or March.