COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? - 5 months and counting

The COBRA quote for my family is $1200 a month and I do not know how to afford it. I am in Toledo, in case local advice matters. 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.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.