They cost less that what? I'm not trying to argue. I'm sincerely interested. They cost less than Cobra or they cost less than the mandated insurance plans? If they cost less than mandated plans and they only cover essential medical care then perhaps folks could simply buy those plans perpetually instead of buying Obamacare plans that cover "medical" care that folks don't really want. Is that possible?
They cost less than the mandated insurance plans. Just like the pre-aca plans they don't have to cover pre-existing conditions or a list of essential benefits. People can purchase a critical illness/major medical plan rider to cover pre-existing conditions if they want, but it's not mandatory.
Because these types of plans are are not ACA compliant, a person would be subject to the penalty if they tried to buy those plans perpetually.