I worked for the city government for fifteen years. After I retired, I was getting prescription drug from the DC-37 union. My coverage was dropped and now I am left with no coverage for my maintenance drugs for hypertension and elevated cholesterol. My wife has hypothyroid and heart condition of aortic insufficiency. I am in a panic situation. Any help to alleviate this situation will be highly appreciated.

Vishnu P., Downingtown, PA

I’ve been disabled since 1983. I did all I could with a lot of determination to work ~ some years I could, others I couldn’t ~ sometimes part time was OK. Finally in 2003 my body & brain said “NO MORE” I was in bed for a year, and house bound in a robe for the second year, sleeping 12 hours a day. It has taken 2 years of medication, physical therapy, at least 8 doctors to get me to the point where I am now. I have good days & bad days. I need to continue with my PT & medications to keep me going the little bit that I can. I am grateful to be out of bed and not housebound all the time. I can get out mainly to doctors and do a bit of grocery shopping. For the last 3 years we’ve run in the “red”. In the early part of 2005, my husband became very ill & lost his job & he is just now thinking he can try to find part time work. We have to choose between medicine & food all the time, our car is becoming a death trap & we can’t afford to replace it. Our outside doors are getting holes in them & we can’t replace them.

J Kiska Sarasota FL

My mom had a stroke in the spring of this year and her medicines that she has to take are so expensive we really need a discount or something to help her buy it. She has no health or prescription plan so we are just trying to find some way to get the medicine that she needs.

Frances, MS

Last year I ended up with pneumonia and now I have severe emphysema and need help paying for all the medicine I now need. I cannot work and have to have oxygen. I am not 65 yet, so I cannot get Medicare. It is very hard to make ends meet and I have also been fighting to get disability and was denied the first time around and have reapplied. I have a hard time even getting around when I try and go for a walk.

Janet M., Ilinois

I had a stroke in April and lost my job and insurance. I have moved in with my brother for the time being. Since then, I have had another stroke and have be labeled as permanently disabled. I have had difficulty trying to get help from DHS and Social Security.

Art I., Illinois