Making the Most of Their Retirement
For decades, Deb and Tony worked hard, lived modestly, and planned for a rewarding retirement. Tony worked in sales, eventually becoming the Director of Marketing; Deb worked in healthcare. When her company was sold, it was time to put that plan into action and leave their upstate New York home for South Carolina.
“We always wanted to move south after Tony retired,” Deb said. “The sun shines here most days; It’s not as gloomy as New York! South Carolina has been good for us.”
The two take full advantage of the wonderful climate, going for walks and spending as much time as they can outdoors. When the pandemic began, Deb and Tony treasured living in a community full of natural places, where they could safely maintain social distancing. 2020 was a difficult year.
“We weren’t able to see our grandkids,” she said. “So, we watched them open presents over Zoom. You miss those times you can’t have back.”
Deb is now the primary caregiver for Tony, who has lived with pulmonary hypertension since 2020. Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that causes individuals to experience dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
“When I retired, I didn’t think I’d be taking care of all of this, but illness happens,” Deb said. “I set up Tony’s deliveries, his pump — all of it. I just wanted to see him better.”
When Deb and Tony saw the cost of the three medications he would need — more than $3,300 per month — they were terrified. On a fixed income, they worried his treatment was out of reach.
“I know I’m not going to do this. It’ll bankrupt us,” Tony said.
But Deb remained positive.
“We will be okay,” she said. “We will figure it out.”
With the help of financial assistance staff at her local pharmacy, Deb and Tony were referred to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Pulmonary Hypertension Copay Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for prescribed FDA-approved treatment, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“When I saw on my pharmacy card that I was only being charged $10 a month, I was overwhelmed,” Deb said. “Now I don’t have to worry about how I am going to pay for this.”
Secure with assistance from TAF, Deb and Tony can now focus on what matters: family. With their vaccinations complete, they are busy planning trips to see their two sons in North Carolina and Tony’s mother, who lives in New York state.
“2020 was a tough year, but TAF has been a lifesaver,” Deb said. “We are very grateful for The Assistance Fund.”
