Another positive update: I get to keep my low income medical assistance since my net monthly income meets the payment standards for individuals in my state. I'm elated that I don't have to take on the law firm's health insurance (although the firm pays the employees' monthly premiums the deductibles for my age range are in the thousands, so that's a no-go for me; the monthly premium for my age without the firm paying for it is $750/month. If everything works out and I maintain employment here, and my $40K salary never gets increased, I'll get to keep my low income medical assistance. Definitely a bonus while I work through my financial straits.