[lotsofpulp]

Technically, they have the ability to choose whoever they want, they just have to pay full price with post tax income. If people accept their employer's choice, then they get to pay for a lower, employer subsidized premium with pre tax income.

[brightball]

That is one thing that would fix this problem fast. Let individuals tax deduct the price of their health insurance directly. There’s no reason it should only be up to your employer.