Definition of Individual Mandate

What does the term "individual mandate" mean? What is meant by "individual mandate"?

An "individual mandate" occurs when a law requires that certain people purchase or obtain a good or service.

Obamacare, aka the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, contains an "individual mandate". This mandate requires "individuals not covered by employer or government-sponsored insurance plans to maintain minimal essential health insurance coverage or pay a penalty unless exempted for religious beliefs or financial hardship."

This is the very definition of an "individual mandate", as certain people are being forced to maintain "minimal essential health insurance coverage" or else pay a penalty.

The issue of the constitutionality of the "individual mandate" went all the way to the Supreme Court. Was the individual mandate constitutional? The Supreme Court ruled that the mandate was a tax and therefore fell under Congress' taxing authority.

A fictional example of an individual mandate? A government requiring all of its citizens under the age of 65 to purchase and maintain a rifle.

--

Davemanuel.com Articles That Mention Individual Mandate:

Countdown to Shutdown

Poll: Republicans Turn on Supreme Court After "Obamacare" Ruling

Gallup: Americans Divided Over Supreme Court Ruling

Intrade: 70.6% Chance Supreme Court Rules Obamacare Unconstitutional