the average American cannot afford a sudden $500 expense. you think they can afford to pay for healthcare? plus the quality of coverage, while better than nothing, may still bankrupt them if they need something major
Note that if you are insured by your employer, you are still likely both paying a significant portion of the cost directly, and what your employer is paying is part of your compensation so that's money you would have in your pocket if your employer weren't insuring you.
