The coverage that my company provides costs (for an individual) about $600/mo, combined contribution from me and the co. For a couple, it's $1200/mo and for a family, some relatively small % higher, let's say $1400/mo. That's for a relatively "generous" high deductible plan, (~$2000 ded. before virtually any coverage, even for meds, but thereafter relatively good coverage).

Let's assume one parent works 40 hrs at $13/hr and the other 30 hrs. at $9/hr. If i did the math right, after just guessing at taxes, this couple brings home c.a $2500/mo . Let's assume they have housing costs of $1000/mo and at least one car payment of $200/mo (or public transit costs). That leaves $1300. If they work at companies that don't provide health insurance they are in trouble. Insurance is >100% of their remaining income. We haven't even got to food, clothing, etc. ....and in the recent past, if any one of the family members had a pre-exisiting condition, the insurance would be lot more, if they could get it at all.