To those who oppose mandatory health coverage

[ERCougar]

Why are you against it? To me, it's the one part of healthcare reform that seems like a no-brainer. Robin, don't bother answering this one, because I understand where you're coming from--you don't like the whole concept of private health insurance. But I'm really trying to understand the rest of you. I'm really hoping I'm wrong in assuming that you don't just want to free-ride the system. So convince me.

I should add the caveat that I'm assuming that there will be some subsidy for people who can't afford it (including students).

[il Padrino Ute]

It's about the freedom to choose. Why should the federal government not allow those who don't want to spend money on health insurance be free to make that choice?

I don't like that the state of Utah forces me to have auto insurance. I would choose to buy it, but it would be nice to know that if I didn't want it, I wouldn't be punished by the state.

[byu71]

It's about the freedom to choose. Why should the federal government not allow those who don't want to spend money on health insurance be free to make that choice?

I don't like that the state of Utah forces me to have auto insurance. I would choose to buy it, but it would be nice to know that if I didn't want it, I wouldn't be punished by the state.

We agree on most political things, but not on this one. I don't want you to have the choice not to buy it in case you hit me.

I have no problem with forcing people to do somethings in order to particiapte in the society as a whole.

Folks do have choices. You don't have to buy the car insurance. You just won't get to drive a car. The same choice should be given to people on health insurance, they don't buy it and you could, they you don't get treated.

[il Padrino Ute]

We agree on most political things, but not on this one. I don't want you to have the choice not to buy it in case you hit me.

I have no problem with forcing people to do somethings in order to particiapte in the society as a whole.

Folks do have choices. You don't have to buy the car insurance. You just won't get to drive a car. The same choice should be given to people on health insurance, they don't buy it and you could, they you don't get treated.

I'd still buy it for my own protection. I just don't want the government telling me that I am required to have it, though I understand your position.

If you're for mandadted auto insurance, how can you be against the Honor Code? BYU forces kids to adhere to it, just as the state forces us to adhere to the law requiring auto insurance.

[Commando]

I don't like that the state of Utah forces me to have auto insurance. I would choose to buy it, but it would be nice to know that if I didn't want it, I wouldn't be punished by the state.

This. We're already paying out taxes, social security, and auto insurance as just one slice of government comandeering my earned money. I would like some say on what I buy and don't buy.

[Indy Coug]

It's about the freedom to choose. Why should the federal government not allow those who don't want to spend money on health insurance be free to make that choice?

I don't like that the state of Utah forces me to have auto insurance. I would choose to buy it, but it would be nice to know that if I didn't want it, I wouldn't be punished by the state.

For everyone that chooses to not have insurance, there are many others that are forced to subsidize their "freedom" because most of these "free" people don't have enough to cover their medical expenses.

[Slim]

I'm all for mandatory health insurance. You are going to be treated in an emergency even if you don't have insurance. To not have it then is just irresponisble.
People say they want a choice but when you are completely incapacitated in an auto accident you aren't in a position to ariculate that you'd better not be treated because you've chosen not to participate in an insurance program.

[byu71]

I'd still buy it for my own protection. I just don't want the government telling me that I am required to have it, though I understand your position.

If you're for mandadted auto insurance, how can you be against the Honor Code? BYU forces kids to adhere to it, just as the state forces us to adhere to the law requiring auto insurance.

You are not the person I am worried about, you will responsibly get insurance. I worry about some carefree 25 year old who decides not to get it and totals my car. I am sure when they find out the kid doesn't have insurance, even Siegfried and Roy won't take my case.

As to the honor code, I don't see how not kicking kids out of school for violating it has any negative effect on me or society. That being said, I have no problem with if the powers that be want an honor code and want to kick out violators , I just don't agree with it. I don't disagree with their right to have the honor code, I disagree with the policy.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I'd still buy it for my own protection. I just don't want the government telling me that I am required to have it, though I understand your position.

If you're for mandadted auto insurance, how can you be against the Honor Code? BYU forces kids to adhere to it, just as the state forces us to adhere to the law requiring auto insurance.

The trouble is the system is broken. You are already paying for the uninsured/underinsured through higher premiums and higher tax rates. I am fine with folks not having insurance as long as they are ok not being treated, even if they can be saved. No pay, no play.

Since this scenario is not going to happen, requiring everyone to carry insurance(or penalizing them at tax time the equivalent) will spread that burden to more people, reducing the burden on those who are currently carrying insurance.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I'd still buy it for my own protection. I just don't want the government telling me that I am required to have it, though I understand your position.

If you're for mandadted auto insurance, how can you be against the Honor Code? BYU forces kids to adhere to it, just as the state forces us to adhere to the law requiring auto insurance.

You aren't forced to buy comprehensive insurance, right? Aren't you just required to have no-fault in case you cause an accident? Isn't this simply meant to protect against un-insured motorists?

[il Padrino Ute]

You aren't forced to buy comprehensive insurance, right? Aren't you just required to have no-fault in case you cause an accident? Isn't this simply meant to protect against un-insured motorists?

Yes, it's no-fault that is required.

[SloanHater]

My only problem with a mandate would be solved with incentives/refunds. You can avoid auto insurance by riding a bike or public transportation. You wouldn't be able to avoid insurance premiums even if you seek alternatives to traditional medicine and take preventive measures.

The person who exercises regularly and needs treatment every other year shouldn't have to pay the same as the person who visits the ER every other week.

I think this is the biggest problem with a coverage mandate. It doesn't address the access problem.

[SeattleUte]

I'd still buy it for my own protection. I just don't want the government telling me that I am required to have it, though I understand your position.

If you're for mandadted auto insurance, how can you be against the Honor Code? BYU forces kids to adhere to it, just as the state forces us to adhere to the law requiring auto insurance.

Freedom is about personal accountability. So in that sense "freedom" is illusory. If you get really sick and don't have health insurance your decent and good society has decided it's not at liberty to let you die. Some clinic will take care of you and someone/utlimately society will pick up the cost. If you don't want to be made to buy health insurance it just means you want to be "free" to be a mooch. That's not how freedom works.

[il Padrino Ute]

Freedom is about personal accountability. So in that sense "freedom" is illusory. If you get really sick and don't have health insurance your decent and good society has decided it's not at liberty to let you die. Some clinic will take care of you and someone/utlimately society will pick up the cost. If you don't want to be made to buy health insurance it just means you want to be "free" to be a mooch. That's not how freedom works.

I have health insurance, but I bought it in case it is needed, not because it was required to have it. So, in my case, your mooch theory is 100% wrong.

[woot]

I have health insurance, but I bought it in case it is needed, not because it was required to have it. So, in my case, your mooch theory is 100% wrong.

Why do you insist on making this about you? Do you deny that many will refuse to get health insurance unless they are forced to and this argument therefore represents a huge hole in your logic?