Actually, it has some potential as a gap-filler. You pay the fine and the cash primary care payment and they still add up to less than the “comprehensive” insurance would cost you. Then if you get really sick, you take advantage of the “shall issue” provision in Obamacare and get insurance for the period of your illness. Looks like there’ll be a new job market for people to go to the hospital and do “on the spot” insurance sign-ups.
In my state -- not sure about other states -- insurance will take effect on the first of the next month or, if you apply after the 23rd of the month, coverage will commence on the 1st of the second month following. Much the same as commercial policies currently.
There will only be certain times you can enroll.