I just want to explain why individual health insurance so expensive. I've never seen this reason explained in any media reports, but I think it's one of the major reason for the high cost. 
   That reason is the economic principle of self-selection.
   When insurance companies are deciding what to charge for a policy, they look at the actuarial tables to see what certain individuals are likely to cost them. If, on average, a 30 year old spends a thousand dollars a year on health care, the company can charge fifteen hundred dollars, cover their costs, and make a nice profit.
   Wrong.
   The 30 year olds shopping for insurance know whether or not they will likely spend on health care, and spend their money accordingly. The men that expect to spend way less than 1500 on health care might not purchase the insurance. The men with health problems that know they will spend thousands will be lining up to buy the policies.  No matter what price an insurance company  chooses, individuals won't spend the money if they never expect to use anywhere near the cost of the policy.
   When a company covers a large corporation like AT&T, it can charge lower rates because the risk is so spread out. Individual policies are always risky to the companies because of assymetrical information. The individuals will always know more about their health and family histories and purchase accordingly.