Yes, there are better/cheaper health care plans for those who are self-employed. But there are few options for those of us who retired early (before being eligible for Medicare) but haven’t formed a business, or are still looking for employment after COBRA runs out, etc.
Also, I believe CA does have what’s considered a community rated plan options but since that plan is the last resort for many, the community pool has become expensive and the broker told us it would be way worse than what we pay (just under $600/mo for a family plan w/deductibles around $5000/each or $11,500/family – no picnic but doable).
We’ll see what Obamacare brings – could be more (due to richer mandated benefits and introduction of higher risk pools), could be less (due to having more people to spread the risk around). But, I’m a believer that something had to be done and his plan is a good first crack at it so kudos to him for making it happen, even if we do end up personally paying more than now.
