> This state just isn't set up to make >insurance affordable for anyone, self-employed or otherwise. Sad, but true. Although in 2006, there might be a Constitutional amendment to ensure health care for all. I have found that BCBS Direct Pay seems to have pretty decent rates [at least for Western Mass]. http://www.bcbsma.com/common/en_US/healthPlansIndex.jsp?levelOneDotFiveCategory=Direct+Pay For instance you can get a COUPLE plan [with drug benefit] for $675/month; single for $350 [$250/mo if you can get by without drug benefit]. For us, this ALMOST beats the 50% share I have to pay for my BCBS HMO plan through my empolyer. hope this helps -Garth