COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? - first time posting

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. My old employer will not help with the premium. Is the decision time really that tight?

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

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.