In conjunction with the state's healthcare reform law, he health insurance mandate implemented by Mitt Romney in Massachusetts has been wildly successful. Here's Sarah Kliff:
Over the course of five years, insurance coverage in the state has increased, premiums have decreased and virtually everyone has abided by the new requirement. While public opinion is favorable - two-thirds of Massachusetts residents support the law - the state does face challenges ensuring that the law is affordable.
The state's expensive premiums have to do with a 1996 law that banned the denial of coverage for people with pre-existing conditions -- and, of course, that was passed without a mandate. Since the mandate, premiums have dropped. The mandate and pre-existing conditions are inseparable.
Strangely enough, Romney currently wants to keep the pre-existing conditions language of the ACA while repealing the mandate. Idiot. Regardless, the Supreme Court might beat him to the punch as early as Thursday.