As the Washington Post first reported, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is creating a checkbox on the HealthCare.gov website to allow persons to indicate they tried to enroll before the March 31 sign-up deadline but were unable to finish, thus gaining an extension of unannounced length if they ask for one by mid-April.

HHS officials said they would not be seeking reasons for the extension requests, just verifying that the checkbox was highlighted on the individual's account.

"We are experiencing a surge in demand and are making sure that we will be ready to help consumers who may be in line by the deadline to complete enrollment — either online or over the phone," Health and Human Services Department spokeswoman Joanne Peters told Fox News.