[Wil Ferch]

Need medical insurance advice.

Background:

- worked for a major company for many years but was terminated in March. Had group medical / dental coverage with this company.

- was allowed COBRA continuation coverage for up to 18 add'l months...but I declined ( since it would expire at some time anyway)...instead, signed-on with my wife's plan sponsored by her employer. Used "life-event" clause to engage in wife's plan ahead of her normal yearly open-enrollment month ( November).

This is currently OK...but my wife may soon quit her job. This is also important. I live in New York state and many alternative programs ( offered elsewhere, in *other* states..natch)...are *not* available in NYS.

Curent family premiums ( husband/wife/ college child) are around $200-$300/month. Individual plans with the same coverage can cost $700-$2000/month. My current employer does not offer a medical/dental plan( employer is the US arm of a foreign company. I am the *only* US employee. If this small work US group was at least 2-10 people.... my employer would have a chance to offer some kind of package, but with one emplyeee, he can't).

Anyone out there with a suggestion on my particular situation, keeping in mind the special situations and unavailability of programs within New York State?

- Wil