When Do Health Insurance Exchanges Start? 
Open Enrollment for individuals is set to begin on October 1st for a January 1st effective date . The Open Enrollment Period will continue until March of 2014 . During that time you may select a plan from one of the exchanges , now called Marketplaces , or from a private insurer . Unless you qualify for a subsidy , make sure you shop the private individual market before arbitrarily moving to the public exchange . You may be able to save money and receive better coverage . 