COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? - 11 months and counting

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a machine operator. Any experience at all would help. My old employer will not help with the premium.

A quick call to the plan's member line cleared up two things for us that the letter did not.

Check what the notice says about the election period and when coverage starts. Mine allowed a short window to choose.