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

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a retail manager. I am in Providence, in case local advice matters. My old employer will not help with the premium. How did you decide?

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

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