2. According to HHS, the exemption covers people who "experienced financial or domestic circumstances, including an unexpected natural or human-caused event, such that he or she had a significant, unexpected increase in essential expenses that prevented him or her from obtaining coverage under a qualified health plan."
The "My dog ate my homework" exemption.
My "unexpected human-caused event" was that I bought a new BMW on impulse. Or my pot dealer got busted so now I have to spend a lot more to support my habit. Or how about "My income tax rate went up last year because Obama wants to spread the wealth around..."
I just love loopholes.