This wouldn't be an issue if the single-payer plan was approved. It's what Obama wanted, and it's the main reason why many democrats are not happy with the plan. We want reform, but we wanted single-payer option. The republicans opposed it. What is funny is that this portion of the health care plan, where everyone is required to buy insurance (except those who are exempt because they do not make enough) - that was the republican plan. That is something they put forward in the past. That is what they wanted when Clinton tried to change health care. So, since the single payer plan couldn't go through, Obama took what was a republican plan, and then the republicans slammed it and claimed it unconstitutional. I believe if they had tried to enact it 4 years ago, they would think it was genius.
I consider it a part of being a responsible adult. If you want to opt out of it, then sign a release saying that as a voluntarily uninsured person, you will not seek compensation for your medical bills. Anyone who does not have health insurance is just taking a huge risk, and they are increasing the rates for all of us. Most people are covered via their jobs, self-pay already, or receive other coverage due to being very low income. This mandate will affect a fairly small portion of the people. While I would have preferred the single payer option over this, I've no problem with telling people they need to get health insurance. I just think that there should be at least one option for a very low-cost, base-level plan.