Reply #24: The mandate is needed........

[Trey9007]

But not just because it helps off set the costs of covering people with pre-existing conditions. The mandate is needed because the federal government mandates that hospitals treat you, when you need treatment, regardless of your ability to pay. So all those who think they don't want health insurance coverage, you are already guaranteed some coverage by the Federal government. The health care fine helps pay for the minimum coverage guranteed by Federal law. So pay your share!