We have policies that originated with my husbands employment some 20 + years ago and until just recently the premiums have been the same for years and quite reasonable. We were able to maintain them although he left that company about 12 years ago. I have often wondered myself if it has been the right thing to do..however, now the premiums are up a bit more but as the questions about medicare and social security come up I think it is an extra security given the times...who really knows.