My understanding is if you are working for a company or organization that offers health care and you accept it, you do not need to participate in the ACA.
If you are just an individual who's company or organization does not offer health care YOU Must participate in the ACA or pay a fine (penalty). The first year the penalty is $95- or 1% of your adjusted income which ever is greater.
In 2016 the penalty will go to $695- or 2.5% of your adjusted income, which ever is greater.
I read somewhere so I may be off a few bucks but by 2020 the penalty will be around $2,000- or 2.5% of your adjusted income, which ever is greater.
I suspect that many young folks will opt to pay the penalty, at least in the beginning.
As I have written ad nauseam, MrsMac and I are opting out of the ACA. I have made arrangements with our primary physician to pay cash ($50- per visit) and with MrsMac's internist ($75- per visit) to do likewise. Monthly, we will put money into a high yield money market account to cover catastrophic medical events and pay for medicines needed.
Keep in mind that doctors, hospitals and many pharmacies will give up to a 75% discounts if you pay cash.
Many pharmaceutical companies will give people discount coupons if you meet certain obligations. Most obligations revolve around age and family yearly income. You can also buy many medications via mail from Canada.
I hope that helps Ken....