COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? (Columbus)

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a retail manager. I do not usually post, so bear with me. 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.