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.

Yes it's this belief that employed=free healthcare which holds back a lot of progress.

> Are you sure you can’t just buy insurance through the ACA?

Have you tried? I did, when between jobs. Over $3000/month for a family of three.

Yes I've had various flavors of ACA insurance for the last 9 years. Family of 4. Most of the time you can get cost reductions via tax credits, unless your income is quite high. However you may live in a state which is hostile to the ACA. I suppose that does matter. In NY, OR, and VT it has been solid for us.