If I want a Lower Rate, do I Have to Refinance??

No, you do not need to refinance to get a lower interest rate. You might be able to qualify for the Home Affordabe Modification program. If qualified, you lender may lower your rate by modifying your mortgage.

The first thing you should do is go to your lender's website. They should have a section regarding how to get assistance if you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments, or something similar. This is where you can find out if they participate in the Home Affordable Modification program. If so, you can find out if you qualify. If this information is not on your lender's website, you can go to the Government website http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/refinance_eligibility.html for more information.

Basically, in order to qualify, your current mortgage payment ( principal, interest, taxes, insurance and HOA fees) must be more that 31% of your gross monthly income. ( Gross income is your pay before taxes and other deductions are subtracted).For example, if you make $60,000 a year, your monthly gross income is $5000. 31% of that figure is $1550. If your current mortgage payment is more than this, then you could qualify for the program.

The income of whomever is on the note is the income that is used to qualify you. If you are married, but you are the only one on the note, you do not need to disclose your spouse's income.
There is a calculator on the government site that you can use to see if you would be qualfied for the program.
If it looks like you are qualified, contact your lender's loss mitigation department and tell them you want to apply for the program. Be prepared with some basic financial information - have paystubs handy so you can discuss your gross income, and a list of your monthly household expenses.