Under the current system, you can't get the same insurance costs vs benefits as an individual or small business, even through the Obamacare exchanges, that you can get from a large, stable employer that has leverage to negotiate with insurance companies and health providers. In turn, that is an incredible amount of leverage that big employers have over certain employees who need to be part of a shared insurance negotiating pool. This is obviously not as relevant when comparing jobs at Google, Apple, or Microsoft, who all have equivalent health benefits, but it definitely matters when considering jobs at startups, nonprofits, or for being self-employed.

Is there solid data out here that this is true? My COBRA premiums last year were quoted at a bit over $1700; a Gold PPO (a slightly better plan) on Covered CA goes for $1900. This is in the range of "not that different".

What is a bit annoying for start-up founders is that health insurance premiums are only tax deductible/paid with pre-tax money if the plan is offered by your employer (may be you).

If you get a chronic disease it is not possible to buy health insurance so you have to stay with your current health insurance.