COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives?

I just got my COBRA paperwork and the deadline to decide is close. Any experience at all would help. 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.

If you have a planned treatment, COBRA can make sense for a few months. Otherwise look at the marketplace first.