Yep, when the ACA first dropped everybody was required to get insurance or pay fines. I tried, but couldn't qualify to get any kind of insurance, even the "free" government crap. In my state that was Washington Apple Care (or something like that) and I did apply (both for the state, and on the shitty government webpage at the time). For whatever stupid reason there are some conflicting medicare/medicaid rules or whatever that make it so I have to pay, but do not qualify. I'm not old enough, not employed, officially "mentally disabled", etc. I never did understand all this crap and never could figure it out. Basically it seems the state is pointing the finger at the government, and the government is saying I have to get it from the state. But the government requires I pay whether I have coverage or not (and they take the money directly from the income I do get).
Fortunately I basically never need medical, and I try to average dental like once every 18 months (which costs up to $500 a pop). The only time I hurt myself or needed medical beyond what I could provide for myself was last year. That's when humpty dumpty and another kid got run over, and I hurt myself lifting the vehicle off them. My family basically forced me to see a doctor for it, and it was the most expensive bullshit ever.
Me: "I hurt my back improperly lifting a very heavy weight in an emergency situation."
Doctor: "I see you can barely walk, and can't stand full upright...does that mean it hurts?"
Me: "...well yeah."
Doctor: "O.K. it looks like you hurt your back, I suggest you don't lift anything for a few months"
Me: "Uh, obviously...can't you actually do something to see what's damaged?"
Doctor: "You probably tore a muscle, here's a prescription for some drugs...good day" *walks out*
I'm getting my shirt and jacket back on when a nurse comes in...
Nurse: "Looks like you're all set, we'll send you a bill"
Me: "Uh, you guys didn't do anything?"
Nurse: "The doctor didn't see you?"
Me: "They did, but they didn't do anything, or tell me anything...just gave me a prescription"
Nurse: "Well it looks like it's just soft tissue damage, it should be fine in 3-6 months"
The total bill was like $800 (it was split into 3 separate bills, this not including the prescriptions) and it's now been almost a year and I still have back issues. I can walk and stand up straight, even carry some weight... but I can definitely tell there's still damage and I have still have soreness and even sharp pain occasionally.