Quote:
Originally Posted by ratbastid
I think it's strange that my health coverage is a function of my job. I don't have a particular opinion on whether it works or not--I'm not well enough informed to really have much of an opinion. But, you know, why is it my employer's job to supply my health insurance? Why not my city government, or my neighborhood watch committee, or my church? Those would make about as much sense, it seems to me.
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Another perspective...
Is health coverage a function of your job because there is liability and potential for injury? Or is your health coverage a component of your benefits package? A general rule of thumb (in some industries) is your cost of employment to your employer is approximately twice your income. Whether you are a salaried, hourly, and/or union worker, it's all part of your compensation package.
General and optional costs to a company to employ someone:
Base pay
FICA (their portion)
Health care
Unemployment Insurance
Liability Insurance / Worker Comp
Professional Insurance
Life/AD&D
Long term disability
Short term disability
Vacation
Sick leave
Admin cost.
Facilities
Equipment
Other insurance
Training
Licenses and certification
etc.
It's not your employers job to supply health insurance, but it is smart in a competitive market. Why should healthcare be managed by an incompetent government? But we should care for those who absolutely cannot care for themselves. Those who struggle with the price of health care outside of employers or government assistance should have reasonable access. They should also prioritize their expenses within their own means... as should the government, as should all of us.