WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers worried that tight deadlines around the holidays and lingering computer problems could thwart their efforts to secure coverage under President Barack Obama's health overhaul will get extra time to pay, the health insurance industry said Wednesday.

The board of the industry's biggest trade group — America's Health Insurance Plans — said consumers who select a plan by Dec. 23 will now have until Jan. 10 to pay their first month's premium, instead of a previous New Year's Eve deadline set by the government.

For coverage to take effect, consumers must make sure they pay their initial premium on time.

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