How the 'mandate' really charges people?

The Bullock Pulpit: Calculated musings of a pragmatic idealist: The Affordable Care Act: Insurance Mandates and the Exchange:

But purchasing insurance may not even be any more expensive than paying the penalty. Here is how the insurance cost pans out for a family of four at various income levels:

Under $30,000 family income, families qualify for Medicaid and pay nothing for insurance

Under $37,000, most families will receive subsidies that allow them to purchase a bronze policy (basic comprehensive) for free

Under $45,000, the cost of a bronze policy is definitely lower than paying the fine.

Under $50,000, the cost of a bronze policy is slightly higher than paying the fine.

Over $50,000, the cost of the policy is higher then paying the fine, but most families at this income level have access to employer-provided health plans anyway.

It is amazing how different reality is from the punditry out there...