Same, recently traveled from the US to Paris and they used a facial scanner. Also used one upon my return to the US and I have Global Entry.

The issue is that health insurance shouldn’t be tied to employment. This could very well be a payment plan for a much larger bill, so op is probably paying off $200 a month over a year or more.

Not everyone is so blessed to have a low deductible plan. Most people have high deductible plans. Having a deductible of $6k or more is as good as being uninsured. Most people can not deal with paying $6k for an emergency - it can zero out folks bank accounts or be a hamper on their month to month budget.