How is that better than COBRA?
In a rapid-churn economy like tech, where people often strike out on their own and companies cease to exist etc., the few $K a year it takes to maintain your own individual plan is something everyone should consider. As you age, starting a new private plan becomes frighteningly expensive, and if ACA doesn't stick, it may become impossible again for many people.
Couldn't find any good data but here's a post representative of the top few google hits for COBRA vs. private:
http://www.mymoneyblog.com/unemployed-cobra-vs-individual-he...
Is it possible you've had individual coverage in a state where such coverage is guaranteed-issue? That would account for a lack of distinction between group and individual rates.