Solution for those who do not want to purchase health care insurance...

[Ms. Toad]

63. That is part of the ACA.

Most people who are eligible for subsidies are also eligible for subsidized cost sharing (it lowers out of pocket caps, which translates to a lower deductible if your deductible is lower than your subsidized out of pocket max, and it may also lower your co-pays and co-insurance). The CA site sets it out well, but most of the ones which don't allow you to buy the plan don't include that.

Here's a decent explanation: http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/reform/a/How-The-Cost-sharing-Health-Insurance-Subsidy-Works.htm

And you're right about people on medication and chronic problems. Our health care expenses this year will be at least $8,900 (there is no cap on medication). Next year (when the cap includes medication) it will be capped at $6000. But that is an expense we bear each and every year. Most people hit that amount once in a blue moon.