[bluGill]

It is incentives. Most people get their heath care from insurance, which is subsidized by their job. I can legally buy my own insurance, but it will cost a lot more than what I pay through work so of course I don't. My boss wants me to keep working, and so high medical costs keep me from quiting to start my on competitive business. I can live for a couple years on cheap food and little else, but I need at least emergency health coverage as a just in case.

Lack of transparent prices is one tool the system has to ensure I don't have any other option.

[TheSoftwareGuy]

> I can legally buy my own insurance, but it will cost a lot more than what I pay through work so of course I don't.

Which is entirely frustrating too. This only happens because employers only subsidize specific health plans, instead of letting the employee spend that money on the health plan that they deem best for themselves. Isn't that ridiculous? Why would my employer care what health insurance I get anyways, they don't know my health situation. I should be able to use the money they spend on my health insurance however I want!

[lotsofpulp]

> Why would my employer care what health insurance I get anyways,

Two reasons.

One is that it gives people pause before leaving for another job, as they might have to figure out new healthcare providers.

Second is that it gives larger employers the benefit of paying less for insurance, especially if their employee group consists of younger healthier white collar workers. It also helps them because businesses can pay for health insurance with pre tax dollars, which helps compete against small businesses that can’t afford to pay for health insurance for employees, whose employees have to pay for their own health insurance with after tax money.