[zaroth]

I think you are dramatically underestimating the cost of getting "actually sick" if you think a $10,000 annual out-of-pocket maximum is "completely useless". Not to put too fine a point on it, but $10k could be a mere couple hours of care in the ER.

Also, there are cost-sharing reductions which would reduce that $10k significantly depending on your income.

If you do find yourself in need of actual medical care but without any insurance, the workaround is simply you will have to move to a new state, which will allow you to sign up outside of open enrollment periods.