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

The COBRA quote for my family is $500 a month and I do not know how to afford it. This is my first time dealing with any of this. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. Did anyone switch mid-year?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

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