Would like to know health insurance options. Quitting my job to start my own company (New York)

My current employer does not provide health insurance. I am on the Empire Blue Cross “Silver” plan which I signed up for from the New York State of Health Exchange.

I will be leaving my job in August to start my own startup company. I will not have a salary to start out and probably will not for 6-12 months at a minimum.

50’s, male, single. I do not have any pre-existing conditions or health problems

I do NOT want to go on medicaid if at all possible and would like to keep the same “Silver” plan I’m on now.

I have sufficient funds to pay for insurance (equivalent to the cost of the Empire Blue Cross Silver plan I’m on now) 100% out of pocket for at least 12+ months if necessary.

My questions are:

Do I have to cancel my current health insurance as soon as I quit my job or can I keep it until the end of year, or at least the end of month that I quit?

If I have to cancel my existing plan, can I re-apply for the same plan or for a new, equivalent health insurance plan even though I will not be “officially” employed or drawing a salary (and thus not paying taxes)?

If I am ineligible to get insurance from the NY State exchange, what are my options for getting Silver plan equivalent health coverage and not going on medicaid?

Is it possible to get “Silver Plan” equivalent health coverage outside of the NY State of Health exchange? Can I apply for insurance directly with Empire Blue Cross and are they likely to accept people in my situation?

Thank you in advance.