HealthSource RI, Rhode Island’s health benefits exchange, will extend individual and small employer plan selection and payment deadlines to ensure that more Rhode Islanders are able to have health insurance coverage on Jan. 1, 2014.

Individuals who select a plan by Dec. 31, 2013 and pay by Jan. 6, 2014 will be considered covered on Jan. 1. Small employers now have until Dec. 27 to select a plan for their employees. Payment must be made by Jan. 6, 2014 for coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. Employers who purchase coverage for their employees through HealthSource RI may set a plan selection deadline of their choosing for their employees; however, plan selections may not be made later than Dec. 31.

Coverage will be effective on Jan. 1 as long as payment is made by Jan. 6, 2014. Enrollees will not receive an ID card or welcome packet from carriers until after payment is made. The decision to extend the deadlines for plan selection and payment was made after the federal government announced it would extend plan selection and payment deadlines in the federal exchange.

Visit www.healthsourceri.com, call 1-855-840-4774 or visit the HealthSource RI Contact Center at 70 Royal Little Drive in Providence to compare plans and enroll in the plan. To most easily explore options and rates, have the following information on hand as you browse: Last year’s tax form/tax information;

Social Security numbers/immigration documents; Employer Identification Number (EIN): Ask your manager or refer to your W-2 form; Information about any health insurance you currently have and names of any current doctors you want to keep.