HARTFORD — Jan. 10 was the deadline to make payments on the new insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act, the nation’s health reform initiative that began  Jan. 1.

Not anymore.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shields and other insurance carriers on the state’s healthcare exchange have extended their deadlines for payment of the first month’s premium.

Although the coverage was to begin on Jan. 1,  insurance isn’t considered activated until payments are made for the first month on time.

The new deadline for Anthem and ConnectiCare is Jan. 15 for those who have signed up on the state’s health insurance exchange by Dece. 23.

HealthyCT’s deadline is Jan. 17.

Coverage was supposed to take effect Jan. 1, but isn’t considered activated until they pay their first month’s premium.