What it appears that some of those that took the time to share their thoughts may have missed is that these benefits would still have to be paid for by the person enrolling. There is the cost that must be paid by those wishing to extend coverage.

For example, from UVa's UHR site...

http://www.hrs.virginia.edu/benefits/classified/class-I.html

A single person adding one individual would typically go from approximately $12/mo - $54/mo (low premium) or $42/mo - $171/mo (high premium).  These amounts are more than double the single rates.  Examples sites are from the 2009 schedule for University of Virginia.

While this action wouldn't fix many of the "wrongs", and is currently limited to state employees without any account for those working in the private industry, it is a good start.