Originally posted by: Harvey
Originally posted by: Robor
Maybe a little OT but anyone who would have a child and not insure them is crazy.
That's Obama's point, but in more civil terms. The basic idea is to mandate health coverage for kids because not doing so costs more when parents bring their uninsured kids to emergency rooms, and the same kids are in danger if they're not treated.
The flip side is that he wants to provide assistance for those too poor to afford the coverage. The penalty aspect is intended to make sure every child is covered. If it isn't mandatory, and people are allowed to opt out, the pool of insured would be smaller, making coverage more expensive for those remaining in the program, and leaving the kids of those who drop out uncovered.
Kids are the most vulnerable group, and we can't expect them to be able to provide their own coverage. Like basic immunization against communicable diseases, if it isn't mandatory, it won't work.