Why was it a hit or miss?
I know this wasn't meant for me but I agree it was hit or miss. I had it when I was a contractor and it was a pain, as well for several people I know. Depending on your state and income level it can be very expensive. The first year I had it the price was reasonable then it more than doubled the following year, on top of the plan being scrapped. The new plans were not as good as the previous ones yet were more expensive. Then billing was a nightmare. Often the insurance companies forget to fully activate your account despite you filling out all the paperwork and making payments; I found out while at an appointment and couldn't even see the doctor that day because the insurance company couldn't find my information despite having mailed me my insurance card and benefits information smh. It was so bad for some people many doctors didn't want to deal with Obamacare.
Then like I said, it is totally dependent on your state. I know people in NJ who opted for the penalty because they couldn't even afford a decent plan and they are middle class. Not everyone qualifies for the credits and when you do it's still expensive. Imagine making $16 an hour but paying $150+ for health insurance, after the credit, and it's not even a top tier plan. Silver plans can run you up to $300 a month, which is regular checkups and whatnot, and gold plans going for $500+. Plus you have to pay extra for dental and vision as well, it's not part of the regular plan. Then you have a high deductible and high copays.
Also, I heard Medicaid was an issue too. But I'm not too familiar with it. I know many doctors wouldn't even accept it, but I think Medicaid bias may have existed before Obamacare. And you don't need to be poor to get Medicaid in some states that have extended Medicaid, the income limit is like $17,000 a year or something, may be more. Many people on it end up going to planned parenthood or internists since many doctors won't accept it.
I think it worked really well for people who couldn't afford it at all or to sort of lower medical costs, but the big change within a year was crazy and many insurance companies were being slick and canceling good plans/pulling out. When I got off it I was so glad, it was the biggest headache.
Despite this I don't think it should be scrapped. It is a good idea and is very helpful in the long run. I think it just needs to be improved, but who knows what will happen now.
Sorry for the long post, just my take on it.