So, if I understand correctly, the deal is if I don't buy health insurance then I will be taxed $ 2000 a year as a penalty. But it isn't a penalty, it is a tax. That clears things up.
So the good news for me is since I do buy health insurance I won't be taxed the $ 2000. But here is the thing. With Obamacare an insurance company cannot deny me coverage for a pre-existing condition. So why am I paying a whole lot more each year to have ongoing health insurance coverage when I could save a ton of money just paying the comparatively meager tax and then sign up for health insurance only when I get sick?
Actually the amount for the first year is 1% of your AGI. When it ends it will be 2.5% of your AGI. So if you currently are making $200,000 a year, then yes, the first year would cost you $2000 and would top out at $5000 a year.
If you just sign up for health insurance when you get sick, or wind up in the hospital, well let's just say you can't buy house insurance while your house is on fire, first you have to wait till the fire is put out, then you can buy insurance. Until then, you are on the hook for the bills you incur.
Buying insurance would be a better way to protect your ASSets.