How to pay for health insurance?

I posted this in another forum but realized this might be better. –

I have bipolar disorder that is severe when left untreated. I was on social security for the past year and a half and medi-caid for four years.

I just started working full time and saw online that I will be making about $4k above the poverty limit for medi-caid (CA). Even though I only make $2.00 above the minimum wage.

I just moved out of my parents, which is huge for me because it was a toxic environment. But between rent now, gas for work, utilities, phone, other expenses etc health insurance is way too much. Even through the job it’s about $400 a month.

It’s important that I have my appointments and medication. Without insurance it’s out of the question completely.

However, I don’t want to quit my job to stay on government aid. I’d like to be a “productive member of society” which my illness has kept me from for a long time.

It seems like the system is rigged-I’m not sure how I’m going to do this. My options are so far are stay in parents house and be depressed and get Medicaid and social security-(not good for me. I’ll never go anywhere in life). Or stay in my parents house and pay a huge chunk of my money for insurance and end up with the same amount as social security anyway…or stay where I am and ____?

Is there an option I’m missing? I’m sorry for the long post. I’m at a loss.

(Tl;Dr) Too much money for Medicaid but not enough for health insurance unless a massive change in my living situation that effects my mental health.

See also  "Household income"