Dude - you should have gone on Washington State’s Basic Health Plan. Similar to ObamaCare but voluntary not mandatory. My ex and I resisted at first but it saved us a ton of money for our kids medical & dental expenses.
Now WA state is no longer accepting new applicants - they put you now on a “waiting list” because our state is in a deficit. Ironic.
I once had HMO insurance and hated the restrictions. No government plan for me. I have PPO which gives me lot of freedom to choose doctors and health services. I love my insurance, just hate the cost going up much faster than my income.