My take on it is, even if health costs were 30% of my cushy software salary, I'd pay them, because well, everyone wants to live. And so, prices continue rising to the point where people are willing to pay for them. I'm willing to pay 30% of my salary for healthcare. I'm willing to pay 20% of my salary to get a good education for my kids. I'm willing to pay 20% of my salary to live in a city with good culture. I'm willing to... oh wait, what's that? I ran out of money because 40% of my salary went to federal and state taxes? Oops!