COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? - first time posting

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a line cook. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. Did anyone switch mid-year?

A quick call to the plan's member line cleared up two things for us that the letter did not.

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