Individual Health Insurance Mandate: Is It the Right Thing?

Health care reform continues to be debated throughout the nation. One of the more controversial topics is the individual health insurance mandate that is leaving many Americans feeling pressured and strapped. There are arguments on both sides of the fence, but the bottom line is that the mandate is most likely happening within the next year or so. There will be exceptions made for certain groups and individuals, but overall everyone will be required to have health insurance protection or they may face a fine.

Some experts are worried people will not be able to afford the rising premiums of health insurance, but others say the Affordable Care Act will actually help bring down the cost of health insurance. If more people carry coverage, then the market may become more competitive and we may see prices go down. Not only could health insurance be more affordable, but there may be more variety and consumers may have an easier time finding a policy that fits their needs.

Another perk that is expected through health care reform, is that more people will carry health insurance, therefore more people will seek preventative care through their doctor. This could greatly reduce the amount of preventable diseases out there and improve the doctor-patient relationship significantly. Research also shows that people who visit the doctor regularly have longer life expectancies than those who do not. This is a tough topic and the debate is not likely to go away anytime soon, if ever. We'll just need to sit back and see what actually happens as Americans are forced to find health insurance coverage for them and their families.