I have been seizure free for 4 years. Now I have them again because of the medicine they put me on. I can’t afford the medicine, so they put me on something cheaper. It’s not working though. I’m 21 and have no job because of the seizures. Now I need the old medicine to help me.
Nicholas J, Michigan
Although my family is fortunate to have healthcare coverage and two steady incomes, we still struggle financially. Especially when doctor visits are followed by continued care, such as prescription medications and physical therapy. I am aware that we are much better off than many other Americans, however there has to be a better solution to the healthcare crisis in this country.
I can only imagine how difficult it is for our Senior Citizens that must rely on Medicare and Medicaid for the healthcare needs. My suggestion - force members of the US Congress and Senate to carry the same coverage amounts that our older citizens rely on and see how fast the healthcare crisis in America is cured.
SF, Ohio
I have Parkinson’s and had lots of trouble with nausea due to it. I was on prescribed medicine, but then my coverage ran out. My wife read of using milk thistle and ginger for stomach problems and so I have tried it with great results. I am controlling the stomach problem at a much less cost, plus am off a prescribed medicine.
Jerry M., Portland, Oregon
I’m a 50-year-old female with some college education. Since the year of 1981 I have became known as a mentally ill person. I have been told I’m schizophrenic and paranoid. My life is no life at all, for the time, because I have lost my social security benefits because I tried to work. I don’t have any kind of financial or medical help. The place where I was staying was destroyed by hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. I now stay in a camper trailer given to me. I have not been able to get running water, electrical service or gas to use here. I was almost drowned during the hurricane and had to survive by getting on top of a two-story home. I’m now afraid of large bodies of water and any kind of bad weather. At this time I don’t know what is my life.
Artensia W., Long Beach, MS
I’ve lost my job and am left without ANY health insurance, after many years. I’ve had open-heart surgery, cervical surgery, x3, along with several other health related issues that require me to take a number of prescription medicines. The medications I’m required to take on a daily basis ARE, sorry to say, a life and death situation.
Jon F. J., Beaverton, Oregon
I have been dealing with depression and anxiety for over 2 years now. That has been hard in itself. I am just out of college and trying to find a job that will give me the proper benefits that I need. I haven’t been able to do so yet, and in the mean time I have been terminated off my parents insurance. I take Lexapro daily, and I can’t seem to swing the payments to purchase it, thus, causing more anxiety. I just really need some help to get my medication until I can be put back onto an insurance plan so I will have one thing less to worry about.
Jamie, New Hampshire
On 2-05-05 I lost my home due to a fire and lost everything in it. On 10-22-05 I lost my son in an auto accident and had no insurance coverage. And now my business is failing and I have no insurance coverage. I have recently been diagnosed as Bipolar - and have a lot of problems with my kidneys and kidney stones. Currently I do not have any type of medical or prescription coverage.
Vanessa W., North Carolina
With the costs of prescriptions getting so high, there are several of my prescriptions that I cannot afford. I want to keep active, but without my medications, I am nearing the point of not being able to be out of bed. My pain level is worse because of not being able to afford the medications that help with my medical problems. Sometimes the doctor has samples that are good, but only last so long and then I have to buy the prescription, which I cannot afford. With needing several medications, the cost is way out of my line of being able to afford them.
Carol R. Tucson AZ
We pay $361.00 a month for our insurance. We still have a co-pay for Rx’s of $30.00 to $60.00 a month for about 10 Rx’s. This is a big chunk of money when you have a fixed income.
Along with many Rx’s not covered, we have to pay full price. THESE ARE $200.00 TO $300.00. If we can get them. Sometimes we have to choose food, utilities, or meds.
Dianne S., Ohio
I’m a 31-year-old father of two of two children - a boy and a girl. we are very close. Three months ago, I was diagnosed with cancer of the kidneys and the stomach. I’m getting weaker and weaker. The kids and I used to do so much together. We took walks and roller bladed and in the snow, we went sliding down the hills with sleds. Now I’m afraid we won’t be doing those thing very much for too much longer. Please help me get the meds I need. I haven’t even gone to the cancer doctor, for the cost of the medication is far to high. Help me. I don’t want to die.
Calvin T., Harbor Springs, Mi.