I have heard that October is important. What is so important about October?

The first open enrollment period for buying insurance on the exchanges (also known as health insurance marketplace) begins October 1. At that time you will be able to go online and shop the different insurance plans available to you. 

The site will also offer a calculator to help you figure out what your monthly premium will be, and to see if you qualify for a break on the cost of premiums in the form of a subsidy or a tax credit, depending on your situation. The first open enrollment will last through March of 2014. Coverage begins January 1, so the sooner you enroll, the sooner you’ll be covered.