Affordable Care Act open enrollment begins: How do I sign up?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- People can now enroll in health care coverage in the Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges -- the centerpiece of Pres. Barack Obama's landmark legislation. Coverage begins in 2014, but folks must sign up by Dec. 15 if they want coverage to begin Jan. 1.

But despite the run up to the Oct 1 launch date, Americans remain largely in the dark about the exchanges. Six in 10 people are not aware of the exchanges, according to a new survey by the Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that promotes better access to and quality of health care. Knowledge is even scanter among the uninsured -- who would most benefit from the exchanges. More than two-thirds of the uninsured are unaware of the exchanges.

CLICK HERE to begin the health care exchange enrollment process