WASHINGTON (AP) — Technology problems with President Barack Obama's health care website are forcing the administration to extend a federal insurance plan for some of the sickest patients by a month.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan was supposed to disappear Jan. 1, because starting next year insurers will no longer be able to turn away patients with health issues. The administration said Thursday the extension is meant to smooth the transition to new coverage, easing anxiety for tens of thousands of patients with serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

The announcement may well be the harbinger of other extensions and delays to come. A Dec. 23 enrollment deadline for people who want coverage by the first of the year is fast approaching, and it's unclear if a recently revamped HealthCare.gov website will be able to handle the crush of applications.