Congress races against the clock to avert skyrocketing health care costs for millions

[progree]

2. In most states, today, Dec 15 is the deadline to pick a plan and have coverage beginning January 1

That's the default. Some states have extended deadlines.

I'm extremely very surprised and alarmed and appalled that the CNN article didn't mention that.

One can pick a plan by January 15 for coverage beginning February 1.

After that, one needs to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a major life event like losing other coverage

Always check Healthcare.gov or your state's marketplace