GEICO for Health Insurance?

Last night I watched Michael Moore's "Sicko" with a friend. A co-worker had loaned it to her, singing its praises, and my friend was not really sure what to think of it. I feel honored that she came to me for advice and asked me to watch it with her and discuss it in depth.

I held my tongue until about the last 15-20 minutes. I wanted to make sure I heard what he was saying and allowing my friend to form her own opinions (this was her second viewing) before jumping in and tearing it to shreds.

There were of course the usual villians involved: Richard Nixon (how is this not old yet?!), Ronald Reagan, Republicans in general... Hillary Clinton was a knight riding in on a white horse...gag.

I could write post after post on the problems with the film, however, I just want to talk about one point. I do agree that the system we have today has many flaws. But, turning into Canada and Britain is not the answer. (or shipping people off to Cuba)

Why can't health insurance be like auto or homeowners insurance where it's on an individual basis (not through a company policy)? I think McCain talked about changing it to this type of system in his campaign. Does anyone know why it isn't like that now?

Allow more competition, and allow people to choose the plan that works best for them with their health needs, income level, and life situation. Personally, I'd love to have a health savings account plan where I can put away money now for when I may need it in the future. I never go to the doctor and I'm not using any prescriptions. I'd love to accumulate my current insurance payments into a fund for if I get married and have a baby, or get a devestating illness or injury. Instead, I'm throwing money away every year on a plan that includes free colonoscopies and mammograms which I don't need at this time in my life, but my co-workers do.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you know how the health insurance system became tied to employers instead of individuals?