A race between premium increases and penalty increases

Penalties are increasing for Obamacare, but so are premium costs. On a nominal basis hey are about the same, so a paycheck to paycheck family still might nullify Obamacare.

Time: [Obamacare penalties] That is money many families just don’t have. According to December 2015 estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average household without compliant coverage faces $661 in tax penalties for 2015, rising to $969 for 2016. The penalties are even higher for those not eligible to receive premium subsidies under the law: $1,177 for 2015, rising to $1,450 this year. While some will be exempt, millions of families and individuals will be penalized for not purchasing health insurance they cannot afford.

Which is why the risk pool remains a loser.  When the Swamp is bound to pay those inflationary medical costs, the medical system spirals down.