december 23rd is the last date to sign up for coverage through a marketplace and have it begin on january 1. january 1 is not only the start date of coverage purchased before the 23rd but also when a number of protections in the aca begin -- such as a ban on pre-existing condition exclusions. march 31st is the end of the open enrollment period for 2014. if you do not sign up for coverage prior to march 31st you will not be eligible to purchase a policy through a marketplace until the next open enrollment period unless you have a "qualifying event" such as a job loss.
could you explain these important health insurance "dates" for us? -- dec. 23 2013 jan. 1 2014 and march 31 2014.