So people who were involuntarily separated from their income stream 6 months, a year ago who lost insurance don't get in? What if their carrier just stopped writing health policies? The ACA wrecked a lot of jobs out there, too, and closed some businesses. That damage didn't happen in the last 30 days.
No. The point is what you are trying to stop are people who are working, have good jobs, but decide not to buy health insurance. Then when they get sick, they suddenly sign up with their preexisting condition and demand coverage. That's the way to game guaranteed issue, and why people claim a mandate is required.
I'm saying just target that gaming directly rather than using guaranteed issue. So if you have a job, are eligible for insurance, but choose not to buy it, then you are not entitled to sign up with pre-existing conditions.
On the other hand, if the reason you don't have insurance is not because of choice, but because you lost your job, or your carrier went under, or you are new to the workforce, then you get to sign up even with pre-existing conditions, because you're
not trying to game the system.
It still leaves people with the option of foregoing coverage and choosing to run the risk. But if that's the case, and they get ill, then they don't get coverage, and it all must be out of pocket.