Just ask someone who is effected by the provisions that have already started, and from what my mom says it's a great start. Or ask the poor people who are going to free clinics, or health centers.
If its working great so far, it may turn into a greater idea with a few tweaks here and there. Just ask the people of Massachusetts, and Vermont, one has single payer, mandated, and the other is moving that way. May I remind you that the full law doesn't even take effect until 2014, and the cost savings kick in fully. And about that mandate every one is hollering about, and thinking that will get it repealed through the court.
Do you know what the civil, and criminal penalty is for NOT having health insurance? You can't take your premiums off your federal taxes. All of us that have insurance CAN. You know the part that seldom gets told? Your boss doesn't have to pay for your health care insurance, and if he does/wants to, he gets a tax break too. WIN-WIN!
I ask again, what's the downside of this deal?