[davetufts]

But a 2.5% penalty for someone who makes $150,000 is a great deal for emergency care. Obviously family and kids change the decision-making process, but if I were single and making $150k, I'd rather pay a $3750 penalty and get free emergency room care (as anyone can today) than pay an insurance company $600/month.

In the end, passing a law that create more demand for private insurance services has little chance of driving the price down.

[jules]

I don't know. We have this kind of health care bill in the Netherlands and I'm paying ~70 euros per month (not sure exactly).

Edit: that also includes liability insurance etc.