Thanks for the ideas!
eyem, I didn't know that about working in hospitals. I'll float the idea with my husband, though our plan had been that he be stay-at-home dad (thus not needing day care) while he figures out his next professional move.
In the meantime, I'll have him research COBRA costs. Until Jan 2014 this might be our best bet, although it's possible that only emergency care in California will be covered under it. This might be OK, though, since we'll be traveling back to Boston frequently during the fall and can schedule regular check-ups and such for when we're back in town. We'll just cross our fingers for no emergencies.
I was pleasantly surprised by the CoveredCA calculator's results - which showed a $736/mo premium which is much more affordable than my work options, and almost certainly better than what COBRA will cost.
I know compared to MMM's $200-something per month premium, this cost seems outrageous. But I'm not quite ready to consider going very-high-deductible the way his family has. I think I need to crunch more numbers before doing so... particularly if we're going to have another baby.
PS: I am a great example of someone who will benefit from Obamacare: I had cancer in 2010 (considered 'cured' today) and am grateful that I can't be denied for a pre-existing condition, nor can our rates be jacked up unreasonably because of it.