COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? after 15 years as an insurance claims processor

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as an insurance claims processor. It has been weighing on me all week. I saw that marketplace plans might cost less. How did you decide?

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.