COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? (Providence)

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a customer-service rep. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. My old employer will not help with the premium. How did you decide?

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.