If you’ve been putting off making your health insurance decision this year, it’s time to make the call - the end of open enrollment is officially here.

In most states, December 15 is the last day to enroll in a health insurance plan for 2021. But this year, in recognition of the essential nature of adequate health coverage during an ongoing public health crisis, a number of states have extended their deadlines to make it easier for people to opt into health insurance.

The extended state deadlines are:

California: Enroll by Dec. 30 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 31 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

Colorado: Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

Massachusetts: Enroll by Dec. 23 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 23 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

Minnesota: Enroll by Dec. 22 for coverage beginning Jan. 1

Nevada: Enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

New Jersey: Enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 31 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

New York: Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1; by Jan. 31 for coverage beginning March 1

Pennsylvania: Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

Rhode Island: Enroll by Dec. 23 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 23 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

Washington: Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1

Washington, DC: Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1; by Jan. 15 for coverage beginning Feb. 1; by Jan. 31 for coverage beginning March 1

If you miss these deadlines, you will have to wait until the start of the next open enrollment period (Nov. 1, 2021) to purchase health insurance, unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as getting married, losing your health coverage from an employer or COBRA, or moving to a different state.

When you make your health insurance purchase through Freelancers Union, we receive a small fee that helps us continue to advocate for freelancers’ rights all year round. The cost to you is exactly the same as purchasing on the state exchange, and the insurer you choose can calculate your eligibility for a tax subsidy or credit when you enroll. Give your purchase a purpose and support your Union.