During open enrollment in 2017, Austin-based nonprofit Foundations Communities saw a 97 percent increase in individuals seeking assistance with enrolling in health care coverage when compared to the same time period in 2016.

Open enrollment is the time of year when individuals can make changes to their current health insurance plan or enroll for the first time.

During the first 39 days of the 45-day open enrollment period, Foundations Communities, which partners with Central Health, provided enrollment services for 4,040 Central Texans, the majority of which reside in Travis County. During the same period last year, the partnership provided enrollment services for 2,043 individuals.

Texans had about half the time to pick a new health insurance plan than they did last year when open enrollment lasted three months.

"We worked aggressively with our partners to get the word out this year about critical changes in enrollment so that no one would miss out. Our message was simple and clear:  Time is limited; please don’t delay in enrolling," said Ted Burton, director of communications for Central Health. "According to the numbers, this concerted, concentrated effort really paid off."

Anyone affected by a hurricane in 2017 may qualify for a two-week extension through Dec. 31, 2017, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Individuals seeking an extension due to hurricane-related complications can call 211 and choose option 1 for free assistance or visit www.getenrolledatx.com, according to representatives from Central Health.

Tess Cagle contributed to this report.