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

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. I have been trying to stay organised about it. My old employer will not help with the premium. Is the decision time really that tight?

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.

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