That's not true. As I discovered when my COBRA ran out recently, finding individual plans that match the coverage of employer plans is very hard or impossible, regardless of how much you're willing to pay.
You’re telling me a mega-corp buying coverage for 10000+ employees might have an advantage in negotiating price that a single “rugged individual” doesn’t?! But that sort of thinking could burst the whole “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” thinking that fuels the American dream! Clearly all individuals (both single citizens and corporate entities)are the same other the law!
I’ve always been able to find the same or similar BCBS plan my employers offer on healthcare.gov. If it has the same metal level (platinum/gold/silver/bronze), it should be the same actuarial value.
In terms of general benefits, maybe. In terms of provider coverage - I couldn't find an individual plan at coveredca.com that was accepted by doctors at Stanford Hospital.
