> I was on Microsoft insurance which was quite gold plated at a time
One of the biggest perks of working for Microsoft for a long time was their health coverage. I can't tell you the number of times I'd be doing initial paperwork for a doctor's appointment and the receptionist would be like, "Oh you have THAT insurance, we're going to do all of the tests." I've heard they since cut back on it a little, but it truly was gold plated.
Circa 2005, Stanford FTEs had nine (9) health insurance plan choices. ;P
Is that better or worse than having one really good one?
;) Paradox of choice potentially, but allowed choosing something other than Kaiser Permanente (HMO with own facilities and doctors) such as a PPO option.
What America really needs is an NHS not tied to employment or exploited by fraudsters delivering worse care for profit. Human rights shouldn't be perks of employment.