Is there evidence that Obama wanted those religious exemptions and bullshit cost sharing plans? I would be willing to bet that was a concession to other politicians in Congress in order to get ACA passed.

I'm thankful the concession was made. The lower price of cost-sharing made it possible for my parents to keep eating while providing for the family.

That's great until the church decides your parents are sinners and refuse to cover anything, and have no consequences for stealing their money.

People voluntarily join health sharing groups. They are run by non-profits, some of which have no religious affiliation.

They're not church-run organizations. This is reductionist, inaccurate, and I would go so far as to say bigoted.

You're welcome to think that about me, but health sharing is almost entirely scams using "religion" as a cover. See my other link in this thread. I'm happy for your family that they got a good one.

The parent comment never said anything about President Obama's desires regarding the Affordable Care Act, just that his 'brilliance' resulted in this outcome.

You misread. Parent thought those are a decent option and it's unfortunate that their availability is restricted.

They are required to have some shared religious belief to be exempt from the ACA.