I've never understood why those plans should exempt one from the penalty. They meet no standards at all.  They only guarantee to keep the administrative fees. Cut & paste from the website of one of those "plans";
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 ...This program is not an insurance company nor is it offered through an insurance company. This program does not guarantee or promise that your medical bills will be paid or assigned to others for payment. Whether anyone chooses to pay your medical bills will be totally voluntary. As such, this program should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether you receive any payments for medical expenses and whether or not this program continues to operate, you are always liable for any unpaid bills.

...70% of Eligible Medical Bills up to $125,000 Per Incident after Annual Unshared Amount...

...We share in pre-existing conditions according to the following schedule:
First year of membership Not eligible for sharing...(continues)
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