>>In fact it would increase competition because the basic insurances are much more comparable to eachother, leading to customers shopping for the cheapest. Up here insurance companies offer multiple level of coverage. It also presures insurance companies to do something about prevention, cutting costs by eliminating excessive margins flowing into pockets where it does not belong.
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>We have a tax code which offers breaks to employers who provide insurance but does not offer the same to the individual or self-employed. This ties health insurance to employment and people to their jobs for fear of losing coverage. We have no inter-state competition, by law. We have different minimum levels, regulations and legal climates state-by-state.

Well, thats bad. There needs to be a 'bare minimum' level of coverage. a so called basic level as we got up here for every american citizen, whether employed or not. Insurance companies need to be regulated to offer the basic level, at the least.

>We have a Medicare system enforcing price controls and driving up costs for everyone else. These factors have led us to a situation where everything, including a quick check-up must be covered by a 3rd party payor and the costs are hidden from the individual. This has all led to the big boys being the only ones who can "compete". We need to loosen the restrictions to enable more players.

I think the government needs to step out to be a insurance company. Either countries have total socialised health insurance like in the UK and scandanavian countries, or no government funding at all. A mixed situation as in the US indeed is unhealthy. 3rd party payer system does not make sense to me at all.

I'm not sure though about what 'restrictions' you are talking about? Can you explain?

>More players will create more diversity in plans...not everyone needs or wants or should be required to pay for "comprehensive" coverage.

Agreed, as long as there is a bare minimum level of coverage. That bare minimum level should include treating all life threathening diseases and access to a family doctor (PCP) for the day-to-day medical care.