COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? - any advice?

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a security officer. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

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.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.