Losing employer insurance, where should I look?

My employer coverage ended at the end of the month and I am trying to work out what to do as a graphic designer. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. The COBRA notice arrived with a very high price. What did you choose and how was the process?

Losing job-based coverage usually opens a special enrolment window, so check the deadline on the official marketplace site. I missed it by a day once and regretted it.