Today is the deadline for Americans to enroll in health-care marketplaces to have insurance coverage effective starting Jan. 1.
Well, make that tomorrow for some Americans.
This Monday afternoon, the Obama administration announced it was extending the deadline -- by one day -- to accommodate those possibly having a difficult time obtaining insurance at the last minute.
"Anticipating high demand and the fact that consumers may be enrolling from multiple time zones, we have taken steps to make sure that those who select a plan through tomorrow will get coverage for Jan. 1," said administration spokeswoman Julie Bataille in a statement.
An Obama White House official adds to First Read: "The deadline is today, but if people are in line, we will make sure they get insurance."
Indeed, the move is akin to letting voters -- standing in line past the poll-closing time -- to still cast a vote.
But in an interview on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports," White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri cautioned consumers to be sure they were trying to obtain insurance on Monday.
Otherwise, she said, the extension might not apply to them in getting insurance effective Jan. 1.
