Of course, that is why US employees should be able to have access to benefit costs in terms of dollars to be able to compare total compensation. Currently, that is usually only available after the end of a calendar year on form W-2 (box 12 code DD for health insurance premiums).

Technically, you have to get even more granular. If your employer subsidizes health insurance premiums, then you pay for health insurance with pre tax income. If your employer does not, then you have to buy with post tax income. The difference is thousands of dollars per year.

You even avoid FICA if you can max out your HSA via payroll withholdings, a decision solely made by your employer.

It’s actually amazing how many ways the US governments has come up with to screw young people and small businesses.