COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? after 14 years as a recruiter

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a recruiter. Any experience at all would help. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

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.