COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? after 5 years as a barista

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. It has been a long 2 weeks. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. Did anyone switch mid-year?

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

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