On SAVE with $150k grad loans (since 2013) – what’s my lowest-payment strategy if SAVE goes away?

I’m trying to get ahead of this in case SAVE is eliminated and want to understand my best move.

Here’s my situation:

• \~$150,000 in federal graduate loans

• Earliest loans taken out in 2013

• About 1.5 years of deferment in the past

• Currently on SAVE (in forbearance right now)

• Income: about $124k/year gross (not sure of exact AGI)

• Married filing separately

• 1 child

• I rent, don’t own property

My goal is NOT to aggressively pay these off — I don’t realistically see a path to paying $150k off anytime soon. My goal is to pay the lowest possible monthly amount until forgiveness (20–25 years).

Questions:

1.  If SAVE goes away, what repayment plan would likely give me the lowest monthly payment?

2.  Since I file married filing separately, would that help keep payments lower under IBR or PAYE (if available)?

3.  Do the \~13 years I’ve had these loans (minus 1.5 years deferment) count toward the 20–25 year forgiveness clock?

4.  Can I just wait until I receive official notice that SAVE is ending before taking action, or should I proactively switch plans?

5.  If I need to act, how soon before SAVE ends should I apply for a new IDR plan? Or some other plan?

Basically: if your goal were lowest payment + eventual forgiveness (not payoff), what strategy would you use in my position?

Appreciate any insight — trying to game plan instead of panic when the email comes.