Contract work or permanent, which would you take? after 12 years as a customer-service rep

I got a contract offer for 12 months as a customer-service rep and I am unsure whether to accept. I do not usually post, so bear with me. The contract could extend. How did you handle benefits?

Buy coverage through the marketplace if the contract has none. I budgeted for it before signing.

I took a contract and it converted after four months. The time also kept my skills current.