If mandates are driving the cost of medical insurance so high, then less people can afford coverage the laws are self-defeating. Mandates have a direct relationship to premium and cost. Excessive mandates will make insurance rates excessive for the underserved. Yes, however they are overused. Unfortunately we live in a society where costs will exclude certain coverages unless mandated.
Cost is minimal if required in all states.
Mandates generally only make all carriers do what the quality carriers normally provide. Health insurance is a voluntary benefit for employees. Each employee group is different. Mandated coverages that for most will not be used price these benefits out of reach for many of these people. Without the mandate, a plan can be structures that provides basis and catastrophic healthcare coverage at a more reasonable cost.