The final countdown has begun! The NY State of Health insurance marketplace is set to open at 8:00 am next Tuesday, October 1st. At that time, anyone will be able to log onto the website and comparison shop for health plans, get screened for eligibility into public programs and subsidies, and enroll into coverage.

Still confused about what is actually happening on October 1st? Check out this great 90 second video from the good folks at 1199SEIU – it offers a quick and understandable explanation of the new insurance marketplace.

It sounds easy, and for some it will be. But for others, well, some of us may need a little bit of help figuring out what it all means and how to go about getting insurance. Thankfully, someone has already thought of that and the state has put together a large network of community-based organizations, called Navigators, trained specifically to offer free, unbiased help to anyone who needs it. To find out who can help you in your neighborhood, click here.

Anyone in NYC who wants to be the first in line to sign up, but thinks they may need some help, can contact the Community Service Society toll free at 1-888-614-5400. Navigators are taking appointments for free, in-person help starting at 8 am on Tuesday.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited to see what the new marketplace will offer!