The next phase of the Affordable Care Act kicks in this fall, bringing big changes to the nation's health care system. Beginning on October 1, 2013 new, federally-mandated health insurance exchange. Covered California here in this state go online, offering one-stop shopping for individuals and small businesses looking for coverage. If you're not covered by your company's insurance plan, and you don't have adequate private insurance, you need to sign up in 2014. If you don't, you might have to pay a fine when you file your 2014 federal tax forms.

There's a lot to know about the health insurance law change. Many local cities and organizations are offering workshops to help make sense of the plan and the insurance marketplaces. Call your local politicians and Congressmen to see what is set up in your area. In the meantime, here are some key points and resources to help get you started.

Affordable Care Act

Covered California

Resources:

Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.healthcare.gov

Covered California: http://www.coveredca.com

Continued here:

Health Care Exchanges Go Online October 1