>I completely agree with Hugo that people can balance the benefits of various employers or universities before they make a choice. If a particular employer or university has a policy that really offends, then don't apply!

But you know it's not really as easy as that. On universities, there are a ton of factors, including whether you get accepted. Cost, location, programs available, and a ton of other things are likely to weigh in before you consider health insurance.

As for employers, yeah, you and I can pick and choose, and make the decision based on benefits. For lots of people, that's not realistic. What we really need to do in this country is decouple health insurance from employment. Our system is a historical accident and it's absurd.

Tamar