Rates are based on age of the individual at the time coverage is purchased. Waiting to buy can be costly, not only in higher premiums, but in the fact that health changes may make an individual uninsurable. Group coverage is now available to smaller employers. Smaller employers can now buy coverage on a group basis. For groups over 20-25 lives, coverage does not require individual health questions.
Employers can pay part or all of the premium.
Coverage is portable, which means the employee can continue coverage upon termination, at group rates that are based on the age of the employee at the time coverage is first started. Coverage is available for spouses and parents, subject to underwriting and health questions. Premiums for group coverage are very reasonable. Deductibility of employer paid premiums is treated very favorably under current rules. It is likely there may be some change on tax related issues in the future on employer-sponsored group coverage.