ACEP offers a very reasonable program through the Hartford. $10K coverage for about $3200/year.
That is true ACEP is inexpensive but the reasons for that are you have to be 'totally' disabled for the waiting period during a 'consecutive' number of days (you choose), that is a Big hurdle to get over vs. 15-20% loss of income to trigger benefits. Their definition is copied here:
ELIMINATION PERIODS:
Benefits begin after you have been
totally disabled for 30, 90 or 180 days, depending on the plan you select. The
Waiting Period is the number of
consecutive days at the beginning of a
period of Total Disability which
must elapse before benefits are payable.
ACEP also has rate increases at 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 vs. fixed to age 65.
Are the premiums level?
The
premiums are level for five years and will change at the 0 or 5 birthdays (example: age 30, 35, 40, 45).
Finally the biggest issue is their definition of disability, I copied and pasted here:
What is a Total Disability?
A disability that results in a loss of earnings of 80% or more is considered to be a Total Disability. You'll continue to qualify for benefits up to Age 65 (Plan I), or for up to 5 years (Plan II), if you cannot: perform the substantial and material duties of your own regular occupation; are under the care of a licensed physician other than yourself;
and, are not gainfully employed in any occupation for which you are or become reasonably suited in terms of education, training or experience.
As I mention to all of my clients, it is easy to blame the carrier and say there is a loop hole but the reality is language makes a difference as that language which may cost more or may cost less are the rules that the carrier must follow at claim time. Don't expect a carrier to pay more than they are obligated to but to be blunt if you are going to buy coverage you need to know how it is going to Behave at claim time otherwise you are just spinning the wheel of luck!
It always amazes me that the associations don't provide a better options for their members but this type of issue runs true with all of the associations unfortunately.
