COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives?

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. Thank you in advance. My old employer will not help with the premium. Is the decision time really that tight?

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

I priced both side by side: total yearly cost, doctors in network and the deductible. Marketplace was cheaper for us, but only because our doctors were covered.