COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? (update)

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a copywriter. My old employer will not help with the premium. Is the decision time really that tight?

I priced both side by side: total yearly cost, doctors in network and the deductible. Marketplace was cheaper for us, but only because our doctors were covered.

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