ACA Plan Options Still Expensive- Even Making Less Than $10k/year

I’m currently a Graduate student who left their cushy, well-paying corporate job with benefits almost two years ago, and I’ve been without health insurance ever since. I work part-time on campus, and make around $7k/year, if I’m lucky.

I decided to apply for the Affordable Care Act to see if I can get some affordable health insurance options. This was a first-time experience for me, and I was really surprised to find that my plan options were still really expensive- even for someone making so little.

The cheapest plan I was offered is at $206/month with a $9450 deductible, and $35 copay for PCP only. For any other providers, it just says “no charge after deductible.” There’s no adult dental coverage, either.

Does anyone recommend any other avenues I should try to find affordable health insurance, or any advice on editing or appealing my application to get more affordable plan options?

For context, I have already looked into private individual insurance plans, as well as getting back on my mother’s health insurance, but both options are still too expensive.

TIA!