COBRA quote is huge, any alternatives? - what worked for you?

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a graphic designer. I have been trying to stay organised about it. My spouse has a chronic condition, so dropping coverage feels risky. Is the decision time really that tight?

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.