Couldn't agree more and I'm in the health care field. Compared to the general population I've got it good in terms of cost of coverage, but I can only use network MD's and services. When I travel I'm up the creek if I need medical care -- I'll have to pay 50% of the cost which can be substantial if I were involved in a car wreck, had a heart attack, etc. It would make much more sense to say "we're going to give you $X per month for health care -- go find the plan that suits your needs." The employer would be freed up from the annual shopping and negotiating with insurance companies, and the consumer could buy a plan that fits their situation. Competition for the business would regulate the marketplace.