Losing employer insurance, where should I look? - 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 teaching assistant. I am in Charlotte, in case local advice matters. The COBRA notice arrived with a very high price.

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.

Compare the monthly price with the deductible. A cheap plan with a huge deductible can cost more if you need care.