I don't like the idea of mandated health insurance.  I have said this before.  Senator Kennedy and Dodd last week amended their bill and added mandate insurance for all.  They also added a $1,000.00 fine if an individual doesn't purchase insurance. In Massachusetts with mandated insurance, many people opt to pay the fine because it is cheaper than paying for a premium.  For instance, if your premiums are $100.00 a month, then over a year you will pay $1200.00.  Many people feel they are healthy and don't want to invest the money.  Self employed individuals are the one who are opting out of purchasing insurance.  The federal government is going to levy what boils down to a tax on individuals who still can't afford health insurance.  And the question is, will the fine be per person or per family?  If the government decides to tax the health benefit then everyones taxes will be high and business will also pay more tax.  I keep coming back to, what will we get for these fines and taxes?  Will the insurance companies be regulated?  I still hear nothing of premiums be reduced to reasonable prices. Will deductibles and copays be eliminated?  It is a boon for the insurance companies.  One plus is the insurance companies are going to have to hire more people!