Medical bills leave couple sinking

Dear Annie: My husband has had several chronic illnesses during the past 20 years. He takes 15 different prescription medications a day and has frequent doctor visits and testing. Our medical bills are through the roof. When credit card interest rates went up, we were unable to meet our monthly bills. We have cut out all extras, but we are still having major difficulties. Both of us have full-time jobs, and I work as much overtime as possible, but we are sinking. Bankruptcy is not an option because it won’t leave us enough money to buy my husband’s medicines, and we earn too much to qualify for government assistance.

Last Christmas, we were unable to buy our teenage son a gift, but still made sure to get something for my husband’s nieces and nephews because he refuses to tell his family of our problems. His parents are well off, and I have suggested to my husband that he ask them for some help, but he won’t hear of it. My parents are deceased, and my siblings have similar money problems.

I know his parents read your column. Maybe they will see this and offer some help without questions because my husband is too prideful to ask. I am at my wits’ end. – Sinking Fast

Dear Sinking: Most parents would feel terrible if they were kept in the dark about a problem they could alleviate. In the meantime, your husband should check with his doctor’s office to see if they can offer assistance, and you can call the Information and Referral Service at 2-1-1 and explain the problem.

It is also often possible to find free or reduced rates for medication directly through the drug manufacturers. Check their websites. Here are a few other suggestions: Needy Meds ( needymeds.com); Partnership for Prescription Assistance ( pparx.org); RxAssist and Rx Outreach Patient Assistance Programs ( rxassist.org); Rx Hope ( rxhope.com); and Together Rx Access ( togetherrxaccess.com).