government-mandated insurance

Citizens, the government-mandated insurance plan, was only able to buy half as much reinsurance as it wanted at a price it was willing to pay, according to Michael Peltier, a spokesman.

Therein lies the crux of the least solvable problem inherent in such a gargantuan, multifaceted overhaul: It denies, emphatically, the nature part of being human, which is in constant tension with government-mandated insurance coverage.

The specifics: The law imposes a tax or taxes on Americans who fail to buy government-mandated insurance or use health savings or flexible spending accounts.

Starting in 2014, insurers are forbidden to deny coverage to anyone who has no workplace – the jobless and freelancers will be able to get a government-mandated, insurance plan; indeed, they must or pay a "fine".

A.A.R.P. especially likes the idea of government-mandated insurance coverage for prescription medications and for home-care visits by nurses or aides -- two major needs for many sick seniors.