yes you are correct. this is no different than the open enrollment period people go through when they get insurance at work. it takes time to process applications so that work needs to be done in advance in order for coverage to take effect at the start of the year. for a health plan that starts january 1 2014 you have until december 15 2013 to sign up.
i understand that the exchanges will begin selling insurance on october 1 2013. . however it won't become effective until january 1 2014. is this correct? and if it is what is the purpose of buying insurance that will not take effect until three months later?