Heath benefits need to be untied from employers. That is the whole problem IMO.
But of course, group plans keep premiums low. And the bigger the group, the better.
How do we keep a group plan model, keep it big, and get the employer out of the equation???
Actually, group plans are usually more expensive and bigger isn't cheaper. With the influx on the uninsured this fall, you will see massive increases in the individual market over the next few months as carriers file their rates in key states. Its all about the underlying costs/risk of the population. The State Health Plan is a greta example of this. Biggest employer in NC. Very expensive group.
Single payer lowers overall cost b/c it sets a price per unit and manages utilization. Medicare does the first, not the latter.
There's also a ton of research out there which shows how important the employer can be in controlling costs, setting sticks/carrots, innovating in design. This model has its flaws for sure but we need to be careful about killing it as it has opportunities that are hard to recreate.
I don't think our country is ready for this anytime soon. We like our health care too much.