A day after Covered California extended the sign-up deadline for Obamacare health policies starting on Jan, 1, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has opted to follow suit, giving consumers nationwide another eight days for enrolling on HealthCare.gov.

The new deadline for policies commencing on New Year's Day is Dec. 23, up from Dec. 15, CMS announced today.

CMS spokeswoman Julie Bataille told CNN that the move was made in consultation with insurers.