Dem calls for another ObamaCare enrollment extension

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) is calling on the Obama administration to allow extra time for people attempting to enroll in health insurance coverage.

The Obama administration has already extended the insurance enrollment period to April 15 for people who were “in line” on the federal exchange website by the original March 31 deadline. It has not allowed for more time beyond that date.

But in an April 18 letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, Sinema said people should be given even more time if they encountered technical problems while trying to buy coverage.

“I continue to hear from constituents who face technical challenges enrolling through the website or in receiving confirmation from insurers that they have successfully purchased coverage,” Sinema wrote in her letter.

“These individuals should not be punished, either through a tax penalty or lack of coverage, because of ongoing technical or process challenges associated with the Affordable Care Act,” Sinema added.

Sinema did not suggest how long the extended enrollment period should last. As of this week, the administration had made no move to further extend the deadline for enrollment.

Arizona is one of several states using the federal health insurance exchange, which allows people to buy insurance through HealthCare.gov. Many other states with their own insurance exchanges have also closed enrollment, although some are still accepting new enrollment applications.