NY - Small employer doesn't offer insurance; income varies
I moved to NY in February, and stupidly did not apply for Medicaid during the few weeks I was unemployed. I work part-time now (around 30 hours) as front of house at a bakery. My income varies based on tips, from just below $1800 (threshold for Medicaid) to $2100. My employer is a small business that doesn't offer health insurance.
The cheapest marketplace plan they offered me is $500 a month. I was later told that my application was not processed through the financial assistance channel (they didn't even ask about my income), and I could still qualify. But what about the periods where I earn a little more? I know there's a paydown system, where you can pay the excess income as a deductible every month...but my medical expenses will probably not consistently meet that.
I'm going back to school in fall- should I just wait until then to get insurance? Or apply during a month I know I'll have less tips/hours (in April I made $$ due to special events)?
Thank you.