It's exactly the same deal in MA with the health insurance. There is a minimum coverage requirement. Any company that meets it can offer coverage in the state that will satisfy the individual mandate.
Government force is not necessarily a sign of socialism.
The constitution says that Congress has the power to call up the militia. That is force, and it is not socialism.
The constitution says that Congress can tax. That is force, and it is not socialism.
The constitution says that Congress is responsible to promote the general welfare. They require sewage systems. That is force but it is not socialism. (Although their ownership of the sewage utilities is.)
Socialism is when government owns the means of production, owns all property, and requires adherence to its central planning of every aspect of social life.