While the Supreme Court hears arguments about the legality of the federal mandate that most Americans buy health insurance, states and other groups are talking about alternatives. Lawmakers say that they want a back up plan in case the Court rules the mandate unconstitutional. Experts say that the focus will probably be on making sure enough healthy people buy insurance, in an effort to keep premiums lower. There are also other measures the states can take to make it more attractive for people to buy insurance. The Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling in June.
See "Awaiting Health Law Ruling, and Preparing Plan B", Reed Abelson, The New York Times, March 26, 2012