Self-employed consultant here (in New York). Not entrepreneur but in a similar hellscape. A 'top' ish plan on the individual market costs around 1K, which is tax deductible, and yes, usually offers lousy service thanks to a slim network and high deductible. And yes, health care costs are a barrier to entrepreneurship in this country. Agree 1000%.
But how can you take such extensive personal risk for 12K a year? Accidents happen, and genes might hit the hereditary crap lottery. If you're throwing money around in hopes of making it big, there's not 12K available? A terrible thing can happen and the costs can be much much higher.
I'm surprised/shocked to hear that, especially since you imply it's common. Is this California?