I am not suggesting it is a cozy or comfy relationship.

I am saying the individual does not have much or any say in choosing the insurer. Or has the ability to switch to another if they find the service provided unacceptable. It is a fundamental problem in our employer based system.

It is good that you strive to get the lowest cost for your employees. I suspect that for most of them that is the prime concern. For me it was secondary. However at no time in my career did I have any choice in insurance companies. That decision was always made for me.

The fact remains that the employer is the primary customer, not the individual insured.