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Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) requires most Americans to have health insurance or face financial penalties. This individual mandate has become enormously controversial. Supporters say the mandate is necessary to ensure that nearly all Americans have health care access and coverage and to help keep insurance premiums and government costs stable. Opponents see the mandate as a financial burden and an unconstitutional encroachment on individual liberty.
- The individual mandate is an integral but controversial part of the health insurance reforms under the Affordable Care Act.
- Studies show the mandate will reduce the number of uninsured Americans, lower premiums for people buying insurance in the individual and small-group markets, and reduce the government's cost of subsidizing coverage for newly insured individuals.
- Suggested alternative approaches have appeal but are expected to be less effective and potentially more costly to the government than the individual mandate.
Health Policy Snapshot
Two-page briefs providing insight and analysis on key issues affecting health and health care in the United States.
View allStudy: Mandate will reduce # of uninsured Americans, lower premiums & reduce cost of gov't subsidies