October 1st is when additional elements of the Affordable Care Act and the "individual mandate" become effective and health plan to be issued effective Jan 2014 will be available. to consider. Unfortunately the website to view plans may not be ready for prime time and confusion reigns surrounding implementation. I hope the following helps clear-up some of the confusion: open enrollment is Oct 1-Mar 31, 2014 and plans chosen in 2013 become effective, Jan 2014, exchanges have a limited number of carriers and plans on the exchange will have a smaller network of providers and hospitals, and individuals with a pre-existing condition can choose their health coverage on or off the exchange, as can everyone. For a response to a question you may have email me (bob.smith@insphereis.com
