From Slowplay's above post: The family cost $4500 out of pocket (plus premiums).

OK, but $4500/12 is $375 a month, PLUS PREMIUMS.

So what are the Diamond Premiums? Add that in.

My premiums for the Gold plan are $400/mo. with a wife and 4 kids. In addition to that, I put $300/mo. into my FSA just to cover all the crap UHC doesn't, and the eyes and braces. So I'm paying at least $700/mo. for coverage (that's $8,400/yr.) and that's if NOBODY GETS HURT or Sick.

If/when they do (and with 4 kids, someone is always hurt or sick) add in the $2,000 deductible and we are at $10,400/yr. Add in the braces, eye exams and glasses, oh, and the Dentist, and we are well above $12,000/yr. or $1,000/month.

Don't get me started on what eye care (all 4 kids in glasses, and nobody in my world takes Davis insurance) and braces (3 of the 4 kids had braces, which are not even coverd at 50%) in addition to the medical premiums.