Yesterday marked the start of California's Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program (PCIP). If qualified, a 35 y.o. in the Bay Area can obtain a fairly benefit-rich, HMO-style policy for $325 a month. See the rate chart for more details:
http://www.pcip.ca.gov/Publications/PCIP_Premiums.pdf
As I've remarked in prior posts, this program may be the key that finally unchains me from paid employment. Diabetes has made it practically impossible to purchase an individual policy on the open market, even a HDHS plan such as Jacob advocates. I'm going to be watching this program closely to see if it delivers all that it promises.