[plsvn]

I know the very last thing I would do right now is sign up for any healthcare through the ObamaCare or any state exchange....the very last thing.

You got that right. Right now (I think) I'm still under COBRA from a previous job. I'll learn for sure this month when I try to use it. Insurance company website still is accepting my COBRA checks I send them.

Can't we contact insurance companies directly and bypass the exchanges?

[Gaffer]

Can't we contact insurance companies directly and bypass the exchanges?

It is my understanding that in the end, even when using one of their frigging exchanges, you end up with a commercial policy anyway - except those on Medicaid assignment.

So I don't see where it would be illegal - the insurance company, whatever they sold you would have to conform to the law.

So I don't think it's a problem for DIY, but I'd expect they'd give you grieve if you wanted a subsidy. IOW, if you're a self-payer, non entitlement person like I think most Freepers are, then you ought to be able to DIY without little boy Obama's magic surprise website.

[ArmstedFragg]

Yep, as long as the policy is compliant. And I think the HIPAA “shall issue” rules may still apply once your COBRA expires, which might let you buy something better than the ObieCare lowest common denominator policies. (Assuming you don’t qualify for the subsidy) Might want to check it.