COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? after 7 years as a data-entry clerk

The COBRA quote for my family is $950 a month and I do not know how to afford it. I have been trying to stay organised about it. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.