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

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as an office manager. I do not usually post, so bear with me. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. Is the decision time really that tight?

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

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