COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? - 23 weeks in

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a data-entry clerk. It has been a long 23 weeks. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

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

I priced both side by side: total yearly cost, doctors in network and the deductible. Marketplace was cheaper for us, but only because our doctors were covered.