I just checked and including my employer's contribution, my health insurance (1500 / 3000 family plan) has premiums of $32,000 / year.

And how much is your employer kicking in?

None.

Your claim was how does “anyone” pay $10k for insurance. It doesn’t matter what you pay. The answer is older people in high cost of living places.

https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/ihcra...

And insurance is just insurance. out of pocket maximum is usually $10k+, so if you do need care, add that to premiums.

I did put a qualifier on that statement though, I said "unless". I doubt the average person is having constant surgeries, procedures, expensive tests or expensive medications every year.

Like I could see something happening in a year, but not every year.

Even without any healthcare events, anyone over 50 is facing close to or over $10k per year in health insurance costs.