The first year I got a quote of $8k for the bronze plan. I would have to pay $10,000 out of pocket before any -insurance- kicked in. So, $18,000. If I got sick toward the end of the year and did not pay my deductible then the whole thing would start over the next year.
A dentist friend decided to pay his fair share. He is wealthy and got insurance for social reasons. He suddenly needed hospitalization. He had a husband and wife policy. He met his deductible only to discover that she also had to meet hers for the insurance to pay. This year he went commando, like me.
There is a way to buy healthcare without the Obama price tag, but it doesn't meet the standard so you would pay the penalty. Google "short term healthcare coverage". The policies are for six months only. At the end of six months you could buy coverage from another company. Not the greatest product, but it will protect in the event of a medical catastrophe. No coverage for preexisting conditions.