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

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a quality inspector. I do not usually post, so bear with me. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

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.