Individual health policies leave many behind

Nearly 18 million people nationwide buy their own insurance because they're self-employed, are students or have jobs that don't offer coverage. The so-called individual health insurance market works well for some, but it is fraught with complexities for many others. Unlike group plans offered by employers, there is no guarantee in most states that individuals can get insurance. Even if they can, their policies may not cover existing medical conditions. But fixing the problems in the individual market could go a long way toward expanding health coverage in America.