COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives?

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. There are 12 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I saw that marketplace plans might cost less. Is the decision time really that tight?

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

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