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 software tester. There are 6 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. 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.