One of many looming Obamacare train wrecks. As health insurance becomes more available, it may still remain too expensive for low-wage workers.

Among full-time employees earning $15,000 to $20,000, 37 percent elected to purchase health benefits when they were made available. Among those earning, $20,000 to $25,000, participation increased to 58 percent.

Obamacare offers subsidies to help, but those subsidies may not be adequate. Which means that the first effect of the new law for many poorer workers could be only fines and penalties.

In 2014, there will be a $95 tax penalty for not buying insurance coverage. That will rise to $695 by 2016.