That check every month provides me with some piece of mind. I am in a pretty good place in that I live in an apartment my daughter built onto her house for me. That check allows me to throw a little something her way each month as a thank you. I am sure my utility bills and all the wonderful food she cooks for me each month cost more than the little I give her but it is all I can do to help.

--Donald and Gretchen B., Golden, CO

When we ask people whether a health care issue has caused them or a family member to have to make some tough financial choices, we get responses like this: Last year at the age of 42 I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I have a six year old and a one year old. For obvious reasons, I can no longer work and my husband, who works full-time, and I are having a difficult time taking care of our family. My health insurance only covers about two-thirds of my costs (which is not terrible) but now I am trying to figure out how to pay for a live in nanny so she can help me take care of the kids, cook, clean and drive me to doctor appointments. One of us has to keep working so my husband is doing all that he can do. We were doing fine before the cancer hit but now we are floundering.

--Kathy O., New York, NY

We'd like to hear from you. How important of a role does Social Security play in your financial well-being or that of your family's? Has a health care issue caused you or a family member to have to make some tough financial choices?