COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives?

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. How did you decide?

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.