Too poor for marketplace, too rich for Medicaid (Georgia)

I (26M, 30605) just lost my parent's health insurance coverage last month. Registered for marketplace, the website said I should apply for Medicaid (low income), but I got denied. Reason being that I don't qualify in Georgia (I'm told our governor turned down federal funding for it).

However on marketplace my plans are $450-$600. I'm told by someone from the Medicaid office that the minimum income to qualify for a subsidy on marketplace is $14,000, however I am a student on a gap year so I only plan on working part time (and a decent portion of the income in cash). I estimate around $10,000-12,000 in income for the remainder of the year, but it's hard to predict. It seems like I have fallen into a sort of gap, but I'm sure this is happening to many other people as well.

I've thought about saying I will earn $14,000, but apparently if I do that, and do not actually earn $14,000, then I will owe the entire subsidy back, would would be thousands of dollars in difference.

The Medicare office mentioned ways to get cheap medical care, but I'm concerned about emergency room visits. I also have ADHD so I need medication and a doctor to prescribe it. Going without the medication like I have been doing is not an option. I'm also worried if something happens to me and I go to the emergency room or need surgery then I won't be able to pay for it and will basically be screwed with medical debt.

Is there anything I can do?

submitted by /u/thesharpestlies
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