Everyone get hyper the minute you mention COBRA, but it’s the real cost of health care if your employer is left out of the scheme. For the most part, it’s a decent plan....just pricey. For anyone who is about to be laid off...I would strongly advise you to sign up for COBRA, and use it if necessary.
Unless you have pre-existing conditions that require immediate ongoing attention COBRA is not your best option after being laid off of a job. Strapped with bills and dwindling savings, you are much better off buying a catastrophic hospitalization type policy and paying cash for regular health check ups or going to economy clinics. The cost of the COBRA insurance will quickly drain your resources, which you need to pay for your housing, utilities, groceries and other basics.