COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives?

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a mechanic. This is my first time dealing with any of this. 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.