Contract work or permanent, which would you take? (Seattle)

I got a contract offer for 17 months as a machine operator and I am unsure whether to accept. It has been a long 16 weeks. The contract could extend. How did you handle benefits?

If savings are low, I would accept and keep applying. You can leave for a permanent role if one appears.

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