I clicked the application for COBRA and didn’t know I enrolled. When I tried to sign up COBRA tells me I can’t because I missed the 45 day window to make a payment? Do I have any options?

I clicked the application for COBRA over 45 days ago to check the prices. Apparently, that enrolled me in COBRA. I never finalized or submitted anything, just clicked on the enrollment application to check the prices. It said on the website that I had until the end of the month to enroll in COBRA. So, I tried to enroll yesterday and they told me because my initial payment was 45 days past due, I cannot sign up for COBRA. I cannot sign up for an ACA plan now either since the window has passed. I asked the representative if there was anything I could do and he said I could mail in an appeal. I mailed that out. What is the likelihood that they will allow me to still get COBRA? Or am I totally fucked? I read online on a reddit thread that there is a 30 day grace period for late payments and the payments were due only a few days ago, would that apply here?

The reason I had not signed up earlier was because I was hoping to find employment but I did not. I am so upset because if I’d looked into this a few days earlier I wouldn’t be in this situation. The website is deceptive showing that I have until the end of the month to enroll. If I had never clicked the link to check the prices, I would have had until the end of this month. It makes no sense because COBRA is retroactive regardless. I am so upset and angry. Is there anything at all I can do here?