COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? - 10 weeks in

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a mechanic. There are 5 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My old employer will not help with the premium. How did you decide?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.