Left an abusive situation as a dependent college student… now what?

Hello all. I (22F) recently left my abusive household. My friend's family is generous enough to have me stay with them for as long as I need to. I don't need to pay any bills, I will be helping them around the house to pay for my stay.

I see adults under 65 in NY (my state) are eligible for Medicaid if the "household income up to 138% of the poverty level." Individually I qualify but based on household income I do not (I make about 17k a year). With tuition and car insurance, paying for a 'normal' health insurance will leave me net negative (which is especially difficult because of course I want to move out whenever I am 'on my feet,' but I can't save any money!). I am physically healthy but therapy is a must for me.

Since I was claimed as a dependent on my abusive father's most recent tax return, and now am basically someone else's dependent, I know I'm not eligible for a lot of assistance. My university does not have student health insurance either, sadly. Any suggestions for what to do about health insurance, or even cheap car insurance policies I could switch to?

If there's any helpful info I can include, let me know. Thanks all.

submitted by /u/Sensitive-Motor-1361
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