@jtboston Ouch, that's a tough one. It is a lot of money.

I live in New York and was going to Florida, also without out of state insurance coverage. What I did was delay my entry until the first of the year (it stunk waiting) to chose a new insurance plan that allowed out of state coverage. It was a slightly higher monthly premium but it was the best I could come up with in order to get to PRC. I had already been on Medicare so essentially everything was covered except my travel, hotel and meals.

Perhaps ask during your interview to be connected to any resources or funding assistance that may be available.