That rate is actually in-line with other family plans. What makes it more expensive is you don't have the employer contribution component being self employed. I have a PPO plan that is actually more than that per month but my employer covers ~75% of the cost.
Some states, like MA, have a "Health Connector" which is a marketplace for insurance. Unfortunately FL isn't too progressive when it comes to state funded insurance initiatives so you probably won't find much, particularly if you are in the non-poverty income bracket. The self-employed get the shaft when it comes to health insurance in the US because they lack collective bargaining power against the insurers. .
I'm not too well versed in what is going to become of "Obamacare" as nothing major has been rolled out. Some of your more immediate options are:
- Consider looking into a p/t gig that includes health insurance.
- Have spouse look into p/t gig (Municipal/Town Job!) that includes insurance. This is what many tradesmen in US do.
- Look into joining a trade group or professional group for discounted rate
- Look into state funded insurance marketplace.
