COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? - what worked for you?

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a security officer. There are 16 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. Did anyone switch mid-year?

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