Husband Type 1

First off, you are required to have health insurance no matter your family's health. You are going to experience sticker shock purchasing insurance privately (company direct or via your state or national healthcare exchange) because right now your employer is hiding much of the cost. But it is part of your compensation and you are already paying the full amount, you just don't see the bill.

In general, before the ACA, agency healthcare insurance was pretty poor. I'm not sure that has changed, but I am sure that agency insurance is highly variable in quality between agencies. So if you do not COBRA your existing insurance (good for 18 months of coverage, but you will have to pay what your employer pays for the insurance), shop agency policies carefully. You will also be paying for coverage as an agency employee, but unlike traditional employers, you will probably be able see the true cost coming out of your pay.

For a baseline, ask your current employer for the cost to COBRA your insurance. Then you will know the true cost of good insurance and can compare it to exchange policy costs or agency costs.