Reply #12: Its an unfortunate truth really

[yodoobo]

But the fact is that those that refuse to purchase health insurance and join the risk pool, only serve to deny the civil rights of others to enjoy health insurance.

Health care is a civil right for everyone, but its also an obligation to everyone. When the young and healthy purchase insurance, it makes it possible for the old and/or unhealthy to purchase insurance. Conversely, when the young and health refuse to purchase insurance, it drives up the cost for the unhealthy folks unfairly.

Its probably best to not really even think of it as purchasing insurance for yourself, but rather providing health care dollars to your fellow citizens.

I don't like it really, and its taken me awhile to come around to this, but its really the only way that we can fulfill our obligation and civil rights to each other.