It's another scam that punishes people who take care of themselves and rewards the reckless.
Until I had coverage through an employer I didn't buy health insurance - there was no way I was throwing away good money to subsidize homosexuals and pill-poppers.
A bit extreme, eh?
For young healthy people, the ideal health insurance is referred to as "catastrophic insurance." You pay for your own doctor's visits and the occasional prescription as needed, but your insurance kicks in if you need to be hospitalized. This is reasonably priced (unless your hobby is sky diving or motorcycle racing).
IF one never gets seriously sick or injured, then paying for it WAS a waste. What would you have done if you had a really bad car accident, head injuries, long term care, etc.?
I'm not in favor of what they are doing in Mass, BTW, but I also am of the opinion that it is irresponsible not to have insurance if one can afford it.