It works for me - I live in Canada and each paycheck, a certain amount is deducted, though thanks to universal health care, my employer also chips in and so does the government. Back before I was employed in a continuing contract, I paid a bit each month but now that I have regular employment, my employer and the government contribute, as well. Mandatory health insurance works when there's universal health care and no one is denied care based on their ability or inability to pay. The quality of care also doesn't depend on your ability to pay.