[NY] Please help: Unemployed, losing COBRA. Marketplace vs. Medicaid?

Hi All,

Based in New York, unemployed, and trying to figure out my options between the Marketplace and going on Medicaid. It's been a really rough year, but I'm doing better and want to make sure I can continue treatment and have some form of insurance coverage.

What would be your recommendation for coverage given the following:

Left work in early 2023 due to mental health and am still unemployed. I've been paying $500-$600 monthly for my UnitedHealthcare plan + dental (separate) through COBRA, but that expires end of July. Single, no dependents, no significant income other than interest/investments (living off of savings). Need insurance to cover me for emergencies (at a minimum), but ideally also regular medical appointments, prescriptions, dental. Mental health coverage is my biggest concern. I pay between $1,500-$2,500 per month for treatment. My providers aren't in-network with anyone, I've been paying & claiming and get around 60% back. Considering getting basic insurance for emergencies and then paying out of pocket for my ongoing treatment (all out of network). I am considering moving abroad to be closer to family, so there's a chance I'd only need insurance short term (until end of 2024).

I think I'd be eligible for Medicaid due to not having an income, but not sure and from what I understand it's basically barebones and wouldn't cover out of network treatment. As for the NY State Marketplace, I was shocked to see that NO plans cover Out of Network treatment, even if I'd pay $1000+/month. Is it still "worth" getting a Marketplace plan instead of Medicaid? I've tried using their calculator for discounts/tax credits and can't get a consistent answer.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and desperate, and hours of going through the NY health pages hasn't helped. I would gladly pay for a trusted, reliable consultant to advise me (not a broker, etc.), but not sure how I'd find that and thought I'd ask here first.

Thank you for any advice. If there's more info you need, just let me know.

submitted by /u/bluebottlethere
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