My husband and i file jointly and we both received letters from the irs seperatly stating that we we the same amount. Does that mean that we each have to pay separately?

No, the amount owed is paid only once.  The IRS sends letters to both to make sure both spouses know about the liability because, on a joint return, each of you is liable for the full amount.  If they only send a letter to one spouse, it's possible that spouse would not pay the tax and would also not tell the other spouse about owing the money.