Severe or Worsening COPD

Article - When is an Exacerbation Worsening COPD?

• People with COPD need to understand the difference between flare-ups (exacerbations) and when their COPD symptoms are getting worse. Exacerbations are unexpected flare-ups of symptoms, often triggered by infections. If your COPD symptoms are steadily getting worse, even when taking your medicine, your health care team may consider a different treatment plan. Knowing the early signs of flare-ups can help you and your caregivers take the right steps to improve care.

Podcast - Exacerbations or Worsening COPD. Which is it?

Listen to this special conversation on communication barriers and their effect on COPD. We're joined by two guests:

• This conversation discusses how to recognize signs of worsening COPD and exacerbations. We’re joined by two guests:
  • Dr. David Mannino is a pulmonology expert and the Chief Medical Officer of the COPD Foundation.
  • Valerie Chang has lived with COPD and experienced firsthand the challenges of managing exacerbations.

Article - Helpful Tips for Having Open Conversations

• Improving communication with your health care provider is key to controlling COPD. This article has helpful tips on how to have open conversations with your care team. By speaking openly and making sure you understand your care plan, you can take a more active role in managing your COPD and improving your quality of life.

Podcast - Improving Communication with your Health Care Team

Listen to this special conversation on communication barriers and their effect on COPD. We're joined by two guests:

• Tracy Fasolino is a nurse practitioner who shares insights on how good communication can improve outcomes for COPD patients.
• Lisa Hall provides a personal perspective on living with and managing COPD.

Article - The Important Role of Caregivers

• Caregivers are essential in supporting people with COPD. They help people with COPD manage daily tasks, monitor symptoms, and stick to treatment plans. This article features the value of caregivers knowing early signs of exacerbations, offering emotional support, and assisting with practical needs. Caregivers can make an impact on the quality of life for people living with COPD.

Podcast - The Caregiver’s Role in Worsening COPD

This discussion covers how caregivers play a key role in managing worsening COPD. We’re joined by two guests:

• This conversation discusses how to recognize signs of worsening COPD and exacerbations. We’re joined by two guests:
  • Dr. Trisha Parekh will share expert opinions on how caregivers can help notice when COPD symptoms begin to get worse.
  • Margaret Baté will offer a personal viewpoint on the challenges of supporting a loved one with COPD.

Learn about coverage options and how to overcome insurance-related obstacles in the videos below.

Webinar - COPD and Medicare Made Simple: Preparing for the Annual Enrollment Period

The COPD Foundation held a one-hour online event to help people with COPD understand insurance. Medicare expert Emily Whicheloe talked about these important topics:

• An outline of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.
• Choosing a Part D plan for prescription drugs.
• Making sure important COPD treatments are covered.

You can also learn about Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage options, and tips on lowering medication costs. Look into these resources to help you pick the best insurance for you. Open the notes page for the slides from the recorded webinar by clicking here.

• For guidance on choosing Medicare plans, visit the Medicare Rights Center helpline: www.medicarerights.org/counseling-and-advocacy.
• For more Medicare learning resources, visit their education center: www.medicareinteractive.org.

Webinar - COPD and Medicare Made Simple: Understanding Your Benefit

The COPD Foundation held a thirty-minute online event to help people with COPD understand their insurance. Medicare expert Erin Bradshaw helps people handle common issues with insurance:

• Getting the care you need.
• Limiting high out-of-pocket costs.
• Understanding prior authorizations.

Don’t let confusion hold you back from the coverage you deserve. Open the notes page for the slides from the recorded webinar by clicking here. Look into these resources to help you get the care that you need:

• For more information on Medicare, formulary information, and appeals: https://education.patientadvocate.org/.
• Fund Finder is a tool that alerts you when copay programs become available: https://fundfinder.panfoundation.org/.
• For a list of all charitable copay programs: https://copays.org/