COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives?, bookkeeper here

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a bookkeeper. My old employer will not help with the premium. Is the decision time really that tight?

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

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.