That's part of the problem. The young people are "off the hook." If a young person is in reasonably good health they have no incentive to pay for health insurance. It's cheaper for them to just pay the fine, if there is one, and then sign up if they have a problem since you can't be turned down for preexisting conditions.

Furthermore, there is no such thing as competition. In the county where I live ever since this travesty started we have had exactly ONE choice for a provider company, and some of our in-state providers won't even accept that company for insurance coverage. And even when the coverage is accepted it's high premiums, high deductibles, and high co-pays.

My solution - get the government out of health care (my health care is between me and my doctor and it's none of "big brother's" business). Allow insurance companies to compete across state lines. Insurance companies should give rewards to people who practice good health habits. Have health care providers (doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc.) post their rates for the various services they offer as well as their "success rate" (customer reviews, etc.). All that won't completely solve the problem but it would be a move in the right direction.

I've paid a lot of money over the years for health insurance. During my entire adult life (I'm 61) I have spent a total of one night in a hospital and that was for observation following a wreck. I have been blessed with good health but I realize all that could change in a moment. Why should my insurance cost me as much as someone who drinks, smokes, overeats, etc.? It's not that I am unconcerned about people who were not blessed with good health. I realize that people who never smoked sometimes get lung cancer. That's not their fault. I am glad to help out people who have medical bills for things over which they have no control. But why am I penalized for the reckless behavior of others?