Health coverage after losing my job: marketplace or Medicaid? - what worked for you?

My employer coverage ended at the end of the month and I am trying to work out what to do as a welding apprentice. I am in Atlanta, in case local advice matters. The COBRA notice arrived with a very high price. What did you choose and how was the process?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.