Free Rider Myth

I am amazed at the tolerance of the American public to the healthcare individual mandate. It seems that most believe that this will lower their insurance rates because "free riders" will be forced to pay into the insurance pools. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Healthcare providers collect their bills like any other enterprise. If someone has the money, they will pay. "Free Riders" are actually those who cannot afford healthcare and therefore could or can not afford their healthcare premiums. Nearly all of these individuals will receive free or greatly subsidized healthcare paid for by increasing premiums on others or the taxpayer.

So what is the real purpose of the mandate? I am afraid the answer is very sinister.

Healthcare costs are increasing rapidly with no sign of slowing down.
Currently, one could make a rational decision not to have health insurance and decide to pay their healthcare costs 100% out of pocket and tap into savings if a major illness is encountered. This would be like self-insuring.
This actually cuts the insurance company out of the loop. One pursuing this strategy is also much less likely to
seek professional healthcare for trivial medical issues. This would act as a natural brake on the runaway costs of healthcare and health insurance. If health insurance is mandated; however, this natural brake cannot happen. The mandate
is meant to force YOU to stay in the health insurance system. It may seem like a smart decision now, but when healthcare costs go through the roof you will wish to unload your useless and expensive mandated insurance policy but will be unable to do so.

--Like being in a runaway car with your foot shackled to the gas pedal.