That's why it's not the only option. It's a benefit not a restriction. The powers that be saw an opportunity for insurers to cover less and insurees to leverage that into a different benefit. It's all just about shifting risk around and taking a little off the top.

It's a nice incremental addition to the existing system. Way more feasible than changing the system.

But the additional benefit is a tax benefit, also known as "all the other taxpayers subsidize this behavior"

They're (slightly) subsidizing the fact that I am covering more of my medical expenses out of pocket. Remember it's only tax free if I eventually spend it on health care.

Feels like the equivalent of other things we give tax benefits for. Various things for your and your dependents' well being.