Should I apply this cycle and defer, or just apply next cycle?

I graduated this May and am currently working full-time. My original plan was to apply this cycle and (hopefully) attend law school next fall. However, I've been dealing with some medical issues that really need to be addressed. They're not emergencies, but they require a fairly long recovery period. I've honestly been putting them off for a while and just managing the pain with medication because I didn't want to disrupt school or work.

Realistically, I can't afford to quit my job right now to recover. The earliest I could probably take time off would be next spring, which would make recovering before starting law school this fall pretty unrealistic.

One option I'm considering is applying this cycle, and if I'm admitted, requesting a one-year deferral so I can recover before starting. The downside is that I've heard some schools reduce or even eliminate scholarship offers after a deferral, which is something I'm worried about.

The other option is to simply wait and apply next cycle. I don't necessarily mind waiting another year, but part of me likes the idea of getting the application process out of the way now so I don't have to think about it while recovering.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has deferred for medical reasons or has experience with how deferrals affect scholarships! Thanks!