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

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a line cook. It has been weighing on me all week. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky.

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.