COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do?, call-centre agent here

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a call-centre agent. I have been trying to stay organised about it. My old employer will not help with the premium.

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

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.