COVERAGE: Myths About the Individual Mandate: Covering All Americans

Myth: An individual mandate is not necessary to ensure that all Americans have health insurance coverage.

Fact: Many Americans who are eligible for public insurance at little to no cost do not enroll, while others who could afford private health insurance choose not to buy. This suggests a mandate is necessary to approach 100 percent enrollment.

• Three highly respected health economists concluded that an "individual requirement to buy or acquire health insurance is a necessary element of any proposal that aims to cover all Americans."
• According to research by the Urban Institute, more than 15.5 million people would still be uninsured under a system with generous benefits, subsidies, and sufficient administrative simplification—but no mandate
• Researchers have found that when insurance is affordable, compliance is easy, and enforcement is done right, mandates are likely to succeed.

Check back tomorrow when we'll examine common myths about mandates and stifling competition. For more in depth discussion, read New America's recent issue brief.