Affordable family health insurance needed (New York, Rochester: purchasing, price, moving to)

[wtfly]

After working in the Northern CA Bay area for quite a while we decided to move to Florida 2 years ago. We are now ready to leave due to hot humid weather and are exploring the possibility of moving to Rochester, NY for a few years to be closer to family. We are currently covered by a United Health Insurance policy which is portable to most states but not New York. Neither of us are currently working so employer provided health insurance is not an option. We looked into purchasing a family health insurance policy in Rochester but the premiums are exorbitant ($3K/mo for a family of 4) for the standard HMO plans and the catastrophic plans have too many benefit exclusions. I understand this situation exists because NY is a guaranteed coverage state which drives up premiums. Coverage through a Group health insurance program is reasonably priced but to qualify entails joining an organization like a local chamber of commerce and establishing some type of sole proprietorship business. That seems like an involved process. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Trudy Rose]

Check out this NY State site:Healthy NY: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Index
It is not just for self employed...You can choose from several providers and plans..Hope it helps

[jerseyb]

I found some helpful information to finding catastrophic health insurance. I thought that it was more expensive than it was.
Details on individual and family catastrophic health insurance plans.

[Bayrat]

It's really too bad this state will not allow more competition between providers.