I have a few options for health insurance next year and would love to get some FIRE-minded opinions. I'm self employed, can deduct healthcare premiums on my taxes, and make too much to qualify for subsidies even after maxing out tax-deferred accounts. I currently pay $230/month for an ACA plan that is essentially catastrophic coverage ($7k deductible, minimum coverage allowed under current laws) and max out an HSA every year. I'm young and healthy, but did have high out of pocket expenses this year due to a broken arm.
I was planning to to take a class at my local community it college this fall, which qualifies me to enroll in their health insurance for the year. Last year the annual premium was $2200, plus $200 of tuition to qualify. This is for far superior coverage with a $500 deductible. Unfortunately, for the upcoming year rates have jumped to $4000 for the annual premium ($333/month).
I don't know what 2018 ACA rates will be, but presumably they will rise. I have to decide about the community college coverage before the open enrollment period, as you can only enroll in the annual plan if you're taking a fall class.
What would you do in such a situation? Essentially I'm looking at paying up to 1k/year more for superior coverage but losing the HSA eligibility. It may be that the difference is negated by ACA premium increases, but I won't be able to compare until it's too late to take the college plan.
