People in the US are now forced to buy health insurance (or pay a fine/tax).

> Then you're not forced into one course of action.

You're being forced into parting with your money. So, yes, you are being forced into a course of action.

You are punished if you fail to fulfill your obligation, yes; but how you go about doing that is completely open to you. Hence freedom.

Sweet! Does that mean I'm OK if I stop paying my taxes?

Ask Henry David Thoreau.

There are lots of examples where that's not true, forced selective service for adult males and social security registration at birth to name two.