I don’t think they offer catastrophic plans past a certain age, or if they do they would not be affordable anyway.
I’m in the same boat as these people, pay a fortune for a monthly premium AND get no coverage, or decide to go without and risk a 6-figure hospital stay for a moderate illness, plus the insult of paying a non-coverage fine.
It’s an impossible system.
They didn't ban the plans, but ACA penalties make them unattractive for many former buyers. The age cut off is 30 for utilizing catastrophic plans as long term insurance. However, if one qualifies for a hardship waiver they can purchase those plans without paying a penalty.