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

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a production planner. I do not usually post, so bear with me. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 11 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.