Anyone know of any 'associations' you can join that offer the opportunity to purchase group health insurance?
The best way to find out is to ask other people in your profession. For instance, I know of one that is set up for baptist ministers in NC and VA, but most agents don't know about it. The agent in control of the group doesn't want other agents to know about it because then they could do the same thing. So in some respects, the information is controlled on purpose. Check with other people you know with whom you have commonalities.
Many companies write through "associations", however, most are still individual plans that are individually underwritten even if the advertisements say "group policies". Also, many of the policies are not comprehensive major medical policies but are instead medical certificates. You may pay a little less premium but that is usually made up in the dues that you must pay and also in the reduced benefits that you receive.
There are some "associations" that do have group policies but admittance to the association is very restricted, such as a certain occupation.
Check the chamber of commerce in your area. I know the screen actors guild has something... and I know for sure The Southern Baptist Convention has something weird like that. Its listed on wikipedia as well. Try local unions... Carpenters & Millwrights, probably a union thing... Teacher's unions too... Not sure what kind of job or volunteer work you do... Sorry I can't be much help. Good luck..
Some local small business associations do it. You'll have to check out the ones in your area.
Answers:
These days - the only associations I have seen where group health insurance can be more affordable are local Chambers of Commerce.
However, with more and more of the regional carriers being scooped up by the nationals like United Health, Anthem-Wellpoint etc.. the chamber of commerce health plans are becoming rarer and rarer.