[Karunamon]

>It was "more expensive" because I didn't have an employer contributing to part of the costs

So it was more expensive, full stop, no scare quotes. Anyone who has ever shopped for insurance on the open marketplace or saw how much they would have to pay for COBRA can tell you that it is extremely expensive to pay for it yourself. If someone else is covering your costs, then it costs less.

[SkyPuncher]

I use the scare quotes because people seem to think that employer provided healthcare is anything different than a cash subsidy.

You and me as individuals can purchase the exact same product that our employer can. Only difference is your employer won't be subsidizing part of it.