Earlier I had assumed that I would go onto an ACA plan and that DH would stay under his subsidized retiree plan. Then I learned through the calculators posted here that to insure just me as one of a married couple would cost us the same amount as insuring both of us. So it doesn't make economic sense for us to be insured by different plans. The ACA cost for both of us at our current income level is less than both of us under the retiree plan. But if DH leaves the retiree plan he is not allowed to go back to it.
In the next year or two, or three, DH is planning on doing some type of part time work, just to earn another 4 Social Security credits. If he does this he'd have enough to get a small SS benefit but it would be reduced by WEP. He doesn't know what he'd like to do or when he'd do it, but that's in the future. Don't know how much he'd earn, but it's something to consider because more income would impact our future costs under ACA.
Our monthly cost under DH's retiree plan had a large increase for 2013, but it will remain stable until 2016. The plan's coverage is much better than I ever cared to pay for but for 2013 it was our only choice.
Another thing to consider is that my Dad is 87, living in an assisted living facility. All of his assets are in a Traditional IRA. The way he talks, he would prefer to die sooner rather than later. Of course, you don't get to decide that. When he passes my RMD on an inherited IRA would count towards our joint income (from what I've been able to learn online). Another point to consider.........
So for 2014 we will probably stay with DH's retiree plan and then re-evaluate yearly. It will cost more than the expected cost of a silver ACA plan but it's an excellent plan that we have experience with at a known cost vs. ACA in a state that appears to be clueless as to the upcoming changes (Ohio).