COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? after 9 years as a welding apprentice

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a welding apprentice. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. My old employer will not help with the premium. Is the decision time really that tight?

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