COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do?

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a teaching assistant. My old employer will not help with the premium.

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.

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