In Virginia, and I think other states as well, you are assessed a fee if you don’t have car insurance. Of course, that’s an inexact analogy, since you only have to make that choice if you have already chosen to own a car
The precedent is, the new deal era rulings. Remember social security was sold to the public as an insurance program. Sound familiar?
When it was challenged in court it was defended as a tax. Some exemptions were allowed, not many.
Under the “commerce clause” not doing something, is enough. Wickard vs. Filburn dealt with a wheat farmer who grew wheat for his own consumption or use. Since he _wasn’t_ buying commodities outside the state, this affected interstate commerce. See how easy that is?
Since this decision leaves even the IC clause behind, no idea what they are thinking.
“Is it legal for anyone to force me to pay for NOT buying something?”
No lawyer here, but judging from the smug, arrogant looks on the faces of all those adolescent Progressives out there, it’s a moot point.
You’ll be getting prodded presently by Progressive intellectual geniuses who’ll take pleasure in “guiding” your behavior by way of their supreme brilliance.
IMHO