The deadline for health insurance open enrollment for for coverage beginning Jan. 1 in Idaho has been extended from Dec. 15 to Dec. 31.

According to a press release, Your Health Idaho had the largest single-day enrollment since 2018 on Dec. 15, and decided to extend the deadline for the first time ever due to the increased enrollment, paired with challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic led to the decision to extend that deadline, according to the release.

As of Oct. 1 (before the start of open enrollment), of the total 74,000 enrollments, approximately 3,000 were from Bonner and Boundary counties wrote Meghan McMartin, marketing and communications manager at Your Health Idaho in an email to the Daily Bee.

“An unprecedented year calls for unprecedented measures,” said Your Health Idaho Chairman of the Board, Stephen Weeg. “We hope that by extending the deadline a few more weeks, every Idahoan will have access to the coverage they need for the coming year.”

Idahoans also now have until Dec. 31 to apply for monthly health insurance tax credits based on income, household size, and other factors. More than 20% of Your Health Idaho customers received a tax credit in 2020, according to the press release.

The customer support center will be open with extended hours Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time through December, with some exceptions for holidays.

“I urge every interested Idahoan to explore their options and not wait until the last minute to sign up,” Kelly said. “This really is the last opportunity to get covered for 2021.”

Those who wish to enroll can visit YourHealthIdaho.org, contact Your Health Idaho by phone at 1-855-944-3246 or submit a Support Request online, and visit YourHealthIdaho.org/find-help to get free advice from a Your Health Idaho-certified insurance agent or broker.