In a broader critique of Romney Care, the Wall Street Journal mentioned a report for the Massachusetts state government that found benefit mandates cost $1.3 billion, or 12 percent of premiums. This is well below the 50 percent savings some claim would be possible, but still enough to put health insurance out of reach for many.

North Carolina fortunately does not have the biggest contributor to this expense – community rating – but still has 49 mandated benefits that likely contribute five percent to the cost of coverage.