Is COBRA worth it after a layoff? - what worked for you?

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a machine operator. I have been trying to stay organised about it. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 2 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.