“If an individual tries to sign up by Dec. 23rd but experiences an issue with the marketplace, they qualify for a special enrollment period and gain coverage as soon as possible,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in new guidance HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also said that insurers would be required to provide coverage to individuals who pay for their plans by Dec. 31. Previously, insurance companies could have set an earlier deadline for payment. At the same time, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Program — which was supposed to expire at the end of this year — will...