This is the problem with adverse selection--the problem which this bill would rectify by forcing everyone to join? This is simply a tax on the young and healthy. It's important to note that even without a public option, mandating that people have their own insurance is unacceptable. As always, I'd like to remind the president that we could save money and reduce costs by tort reform. Just sayin.
>> Jeffrey Hosten Wednesday, September 16, 2009 1:38 PM

This is precisely why health insurance needs to be mandatory. Higher premiums result when the sickest, most expensive patients flood the new subsidized government plan, thus unbalancing the insurance pool. This drives up premiums. Higher premiums discourage people from purchasing insurance, diminishing the insurance pool. Rules that force insurers to cover high risk patients at a uniform cost only exacerbate this problem. With the mass exodus of healthy people, insurance pools will consist of mostly sick, expensive patients. Where does the money come from to pay for these high costs? Well, young people must be forced to pay!
>> J>Moser Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:01 PM

Are young, healthy people superbeings? Wrong! Tomorrow they can have an accident or become ill? Will care be denied if they are uninsured? No. In a civilized society we all contribute; we all benefit. It's an American tradition, at least since the automobile. Want to register a car? You need proof of insurance. Are young drivers saying "I won't have an accident. I don't need insurance." No. If your state says you must have automobile insurance, you must. I have paid auto insurance for years and never had an accident. But, my premiums are on "automatic" each month, to be sure it doesn't lapse. I want it to be there if and when I need it. Health insurance is no different.
>> Gillian Boardman Wednesday, September 16, 2009 5:02 PM

Well, this is exactly why the Government needs to keep their grubby little hands off the Market of Health care, look at all the other examples, like I dont know... THIS ONE!
>> Hunter Friday, September 18, 2009 10:11 AM

Because of the recession my salary has been halved. I'm grateful to be self employed, to have some kind of a job but my pay rate is just $8 an hour. Most months I make around $13-1500 before taxes. Even with tax credits Obamacare will be of no help to me. Rents in my area are $1000+ a month. By requiring me to spend so much a month ( I think it would be $200 a month or 13% of my income) I will have no money to pay a rent increase. .
>> katiestevens2003 Wednesday, September 23, 2009 12:07 AM