How are healthcare costs affecting you and your family?

I have to wait till payday so I can have money to go to the clinic. I only purchase medicine when I can afford it.
Denice Cole, St. Louis, Mo.

I'm really lucky in that healthcare costs have not seriously affected my husband and me, personally, yet. How long before a serious illness comes?
Valeria Jack, Scappoose, Ore.

I am a para-educator. My husband requires 19 prescriptions a day to stay alive. The cost is killing me, even with insurance.
Iris Landry, Metairie, La.

I spent over $4,000 on prescriptions in 2008. There must be a way to drive the cost of medications down. This is no way for seniors to live.
Marian Thom, New York City

I can't afford to retire because of the cost of health insurance for those members of my family who are not eligible for Medicare. I will have to work many years past 65 so I have health insurance for my wife.
Jim, Poole, St. Paul, Minn.

My family's budget is tight right now, and the drastic increase in healthcare costs has put a burden on us. We do not want to have to worry about high costs, especially when we want what is best for our baby.
Andrew Buss, Columbus, Ohio 

We need to contact our elected officials and let them know enough is enough!
Jane Leonard, Milwaukee, Wis.