ssmith - Re: your insurance concerns. You might want to take a look at Assurant Health
http://www.assuranthealth.com/corp/ah/AHHome.htm Our State Farm agent markets their products - I talked with them about potentials for us about a year ago, mostly just being inquisitive and trying to get a feel for what might be available. Assurant is available through other sources as well. There are tons of other companies (Aetna, BC/BS, etc.) that can provide coverage as well.
Cost..........there's a big issue! One route to consider to get potentially better rates (as part of a group) would be via membership in a professional organization of some sort that might have group coverage rates through a particular insurance provider. Just a thought. Also, COBRA coverage will get you your employer's group rates for 18 months though you'll be paying the entire tab (as you've probably already found).
One other thing that you mentioned - needing full-time employment for the two of you if you were to live full-time in TV. I'd suggest looking into that aspect of things in tandem with your health insurance coverage search. Good paying, full-time jobs with benefits seem to be fairly rare around the TV area......though if you're in the healthcare industry, jobs seem to be a bit more available.
Hope that's all of some help to you!
Bill
