When I was self employed I paid for my own health insurance. When I’ve worked for companies they had very affordable health insurance plans.
I think the problem probably exists for people with part time jobs that don’t make enough to pay for private insurance. However, I have family in that situation and they still were able to acquire insurance.
Some medical expenses are not covered by insurance and that is a problem. Even when I had my own insurance, while self employed, I did end up with appendicitis. After insurance paid up the amount I was covered for I was left with a pretty big bill. Nothing compared to what people with longer term issues end up paying though.
I doubt it, but, I have been hit up for Go Fund Me money multiple times by people trying to cover unexpected medical expenses. They included friends, neighbors, and my literal actual boss. So, while I doubt it's an appreciable amount in absolute terms, it definitely seems normal.
I think the problem probably exists for people with part time jobs that don’t make enough to pay for private insurance. However, I have family in that situation and they still were able to acquire insurance.
Some medical expenses are not covered by insurance and that is a problem. Even when I had my own insurance, while self employed, I did end up with appendicitis. After insurance paid up the amount I was covered for I was left with a pretty big bill. Nothing compared to what people with longer term issues end up paying though.