The website for President Barack Obama's signature health care program went down hours before he was scheduled to deliver his year-end press conference.

Healthcare.gov was still down minutes before Obama was set to appear before reporters.

Users attempting to apply for insurance were greeted with a message notifying them that "the system is down at the moment" Friday afternoon.

Healthcare.gov went down just hours before President Barack Obama was scheduled to deliver a year-end press conference. (Image source: healthcare.gov)

As the Washington Post noted, the deadline for individuals to obtain coverage is Dec. 23.

On Wednesday, first lady Michelle Obama urged moms to encourage others to sign up for coverage as a "Christmas treat."

"And we urge people to reach out. And if they signed up their child, then signed up -- sign up their friends," she said. "You know, if you've got grandkids, make it a Christmas treat around the table to talk about a little health care. You know, ring in the new year with a -- new coverage."

(H/T: The Washington Post)

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