I just graduated college in May, and while I was in school, I was covered under my state’s medical assistance.
However, I just started grad school and took on a part time job at $20/hr for 19 hours a week. I just got off the phone with the medical assistance people and was told my income is now $153 a month above the maximum. I really, really like my current MCO’s benefits, so I’m trying to figure out what I can do. My options are:
[ol]
[li]Call my new boss and ask for my rate to be decreased to $17.96 an hour. I’m a contract employee and the contract has been signed, so I don’t know if it can be amended or even if such a question would go over well. It’s also possible I could be devaluing myself in future salary negotiations.[/li][li]Enroll in one of the qualifying plans suggested by the medical assistance people. The benefits aren’t nearly as good as my current MCO’s, and the co-pays and deductibles are higher, but premium would be mostly free due to a tax credit the state would give me. I could also potentially lose my current primary care doctor, who is fantastic.[/li][li]Enroll in my grad school’s plan. This is the worst option as it would cost me $1,772 per semester and the benefits are terrible.[/li][/ol]
Any suggestions on how to proceed? I am not asking for legal advice; merely opinions on what you would do. Thank you.