The deadline to receive health insurance beginning January 1, 2016, by enrolling in coverage through federal marketplace has been extended 48 hours, to December 17 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The initial deadline had been yesterday, December 15.
A release on the HealthCare.gov website said the extended deadline was due to "unprecedented demand at HealthCare.gov and our Marketplace Call Center."
The open enrollment period does not end on Thursday. Enrollees still have until January 15 to guarantee coverage beginning February 1, and until January 31 to enroll in general. After that, enrollees can qualify for special enrollment periods following certain major life events, like a marriage, a birth or the loss of other health coverage.