Not as significant with a couple policy, but when there is a family policy, I ask who uses more medical care between the spouses and put that spouse as the 'spouse' on the application and the healthier as the primary. This way, when the high use spouse meets the deductible, the kids too have met the deductible and will maximize coverage. Since the primary will likely only use preventative (if that), that person's out of pocket will be minimal unless something major happens....don't forget the accident/critical illness coverage to assist in that event!
Yagents, I concur, that's my understanding as well.
Deductible is for the family, and typically double the individual deductible. Most carriers cut each individual off at the single, and the everyone under the policy at the family. Some let a single meet the family deductible, but that's uncommon.
IE. $2000/$4000 plan. Dad incurs $5,000, pays the first $2k (limit for an individual). Mom hits $1k, little Johnny hits $1k. Family has now hit $4k, so everyone who uses the policy moving forward has the deductible met.
Re: costs will go up if there is a subsidy. Depending on their income level there could be help from Medicare and possibly state/Medicaid. Those levels of help are at much lower incomes than ACA, and are also liquid asset driven. Info on Medicare.gov. "Extra Help".
