Feeling stuck trying to access the care you need? You’re not alone. And you’re not out of options.

In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast, respiratory therapist Jonnie Korinko, and registered nurse Amanda Atkinson break down one of the most frustrating challenges facing people living with COPD and other chronic conditions: navigating the healthcare system to access advanced treatments.

You’ll learn why insurance denials aren’t always final, how specialty pharmacies fit into the process, and where to find financial assistance programs that can make expensive medications more affordable.

Most importantly, this conversation highlights the powerful role you play as your own advocate, and how asking the right questions can move your care forward faster.

Whether you’re dealing with prior authorizations, delays, coverage challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers practical strategies, insider insight, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

• Specialty pharmacy & pharmaceutical financial assistance and patient support:
  • NeedyMeds comprehensive nonprofit database for patient assistance programs, drug coupons, and free- or low-cost clinics.
  • Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) free service that helps people find public, private, and pharmaceutical assistance programs.
  • RxAssist database of pharmaceutical assistance programs.
• Community Foundations:
  • PAN Foundation helps people access affordable, equitable health care through financial assistance, advocacy, and education.
    • Fund Finder PAN Foundation tool that searches for available funds.
  • HealthWell Foundation financial assistance for coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses.
  • Patient Advocate Foundation free case management services for people with chronic conditions.
    • PAF offers a co-pay relief program for people with certain chronic conditions.
  • The Assistance Fund (TAF) financial assistance with out-of-pocket costs for people with certain chronic conditions.
  • GoodDays assists with medical expenses, including co-pays, travel costs for treatment, and premiums.
• COPD Foundation resources

Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS Respiratory Therapist & Educator, COPD Foundation

Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN Registered Nurse & Educator, COPD Foundation

Contact & Support:

For more information and resources, visit the COPD Foundation website or reach out to your health care team.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is still widely missed in COPD care. In this episode, Amanda Atkinson and Dr. Charlie Strange discuss why Alpha-1 testing is often overlooked, how documentation gaps happen, and what clinicians can do to improve early detection. Learn practical steps to reduce diagnostic delay. Identify Alpha-1 sooner.

The receipt of free Alpha-1 screening or testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer. This episode has been sponsored by Grifols.

Innovation for new COPD therapies and early diagnosis can only happen because of research, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research is responsible for many of these activities. Unfortunately, NIH funding—and consequently research for new COPD therapies—has recently been under attack. Join us for a conversation with COPD Foundation’s Senior Manager of Advocacy and Public Policy Bailey McCrary, Director of Education Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS, and MeiLan Han, MD, MS, about what this means for our community and what you can do.

Not all shortness of breath is the same. When patients adapt to their symptoms, or when a current diagnosis just doesn’t fit, it’s time to dig deeper and see what is missing. In this episode, Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, talks with Physician Associate Brian Bizik, who shares clinical insight and his family’s personal story with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Unexplained breathlessness isn’t normal, and alpha-1 isn’t rare; it is just underdiagnosed. Join us and learn what you can do as a provider when symptoms just don’t add up. This episode has been sponsored by Grifols. To order free screening kits for your practice visit https://copdf.co/alpha1-orderkit. The receipt of these free testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service by any manufacturer.

What is it really like to live with an oxygen therapy prescription?

Join us for a conversation with two supplemental oxygen users, Jean and Art, who share their personal journeys with oxygen therapy. They are joined by “the Oxygen Guy,” Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT, Senior Director of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs at the COPD Foundation, who helps uncover the challenges and benefits of navigating a supplemental oxygen prescription.

Together, the group discusses topics including advice for new users, pulmonary rehabilitation, differences in quality of life on oxygen therapy, and how clinicians can better support their patients.

World Oxygen Day is October 2. This episode is part two of a two-part series in honor of those who need or benefit from oxygen therapy. Learn more about World Oxygen Day at WorldOxygenDay.org

How can health care providers better prepare their patients for living with oxygen therapy? Join “the Oxygen Guy,” Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT, Senior Director of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs at the COPD Foundation, for a conversation about supplemental oxygen prescriptions and support for those who need it. Mike is joined by fellow respiratory therapists, Krystal Craddock, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, and Chrysalis Ashton, MSRC, RRT, to discuss their unique practices in identifying patients who might benefit from oxygen therapy and how to prepare them for managing a supplemental oxygen prescription.

World Oxygen Day is October 2. This episode is part one of a two-part series in honor of those who need or benefit from oxygen therapy. Learn more about World Oxygen Day at WorldOxygenDay.org

Feeling close is still possible when you're living with COPD. Join Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, Dr. Sandy Sandhaus, Corinne Young, MSN, FNP-C, FCCP, and Diana, an individual living with COPD and alpha-1, for an honest, open conversation about intimacy after a COPD diagnosis. Real talk, practical strategies, and reminders that love, closeness, and intimacy are still possible.

Delayed diagnosis of Alpha-1 and COPD can have serious consequences, but early diagnosis and interventions can have positive impact. In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast join Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN and Corinne Young, MSN, FNP-C, FCCP as they discuss the importance of early diagnosis of COPD and Alpha-1 in primary care, as well as timing for referral to pulmonology. 

For up-to-date information on diagnosing and managing COPD and Alpha-1 visit the COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org. The receipt of free Alpha-1 screening or testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer. This episode has been sponsored by Grifols.

In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast join Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, and Dr. Monica Goldklang for part 2 of our discussion on how lung conditions like COPD and Alpha-1 impact women. For up-to-date information on diagnosing and managing COPD visit the COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org.

In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast join Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, and Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, for a discussion on how lung conditions like COPD impact women. For up-to-date information on diagnosing and managing COPD visit the COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org.

Join us as we dive into a wonderful conversation exploring the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people living with chronic lung conditions. We’re joined by two guests: Christina Hunt, the Senior Director of Bronchiectasis and NTM Education and Care Delivery, and Alyssa Dittner, the Assistant Director of Bronchiectasis and NTM Education and Community. They share insights on how a well-rounded exercise program, education, and social support are vital in achieving personal health goals. Check out the next episode on the Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 podcast channel, where we discuss how pulmonary rehabilitation differs from traditional exercise programs and the significant positive impact it can have on individuals with respiratory conditions.

If you're interested in learning more about COPD and other chronic conditions, visit www.COPDFoundation.org. To discover more about pulmonary rehabilitation programs, check out http://copdf.co/PulmonaryRehab.

This conversation dives into the impact of advocacy for people living with chronic lung conditions. We're joined by two guests: Bailey McCrary, Senior Manager of Advocacy and Public Policy at the COPD Foundation, and Phyliss, a lung health advocate who is living with COPD. Together, they discuss the importance of raising awareness of chronic lung conditions and how each of us can play a role in making life better for the COPD community. For more information on COPD and other chronic conditions, visit www.COPDFoundation.org. To get involved with advocacy at the COPD Foundation, consider joining the State Captains program at https://bit.ly/42zQScy.

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. Brought to you by Sanofi and Regeneron.

This discussion covers how caregivers play a key role in managing worsening COPD symptoms. We’re joined by two guests. Dr. Trisha Parekh is a pulmonologist who covers how caregivers can help take an active role in noticing when COPD symptoms are getting worse. Margaret Baté shares her personal experience as a caregiver and shares advice for people in the COPD community. Brought to you by Sanofi and Regeneron.

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. Brought to you by Sanofi and Regeneron.

In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast join Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, and Dr. Sandy Sandhaus as they discuss strategies for living well with COPD. They are joined by Diana and Dan, individuals living with COPD and Alpha-1 who share their experiences and tips they have learned along the way. For up-to-date information on diagnosing and managing COPD and Alpha 1, visit the COPD Foundation aat www.copdfoundation.org/. The receipt of free Alpha-1 screening or testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer.

This episode is sponsored by Grifols.

In this episode of the COPD Foundation Podcast Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN and Dr. Kyle Hogarth, explore the most common myths and facts surrounding COPD and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Tune in to this myth busting session as we uncover common misconceptions about cause, diagnosis, and symptoms of these lung conditions and reveal the facts about smoking, environmental factors, genetics, and the importance of early diagnosis. For up-to-date information on best practices in the diagnosis and management of COPD and alpha-1, visit the COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org/. This episode is sponsored by Grifols.

Join Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, and Dr. Mike Czarnecki as they provide a comprehensive overview of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder with significant implications for pulmonary and hepatic health. This episode covers pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, and current treatment modalities. Additionally, you'll hear from a patient, Laura, who offers insights into her lived experience with Alpha-1. For up-to-date information on best practices in the diagnosis and management of Alpha-1, visit the COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org/ and the Alpha-1 Foundation at www.alpha1.org/.

This episode is sponsored by Grifols.

Join hosts Stephanie Williams and Amanda Atkinson as they delve into the complexities of bronchiectasis, NTM, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency with expert Dr. Sandy Sandhaus and explore the connection between these conditions and their impact on lung health. Hear firsthand accounts from Marilyn and Laura, who share their experiences living with these conditions. To stay informed on best practices for diagnosis and care of these conditions visit : https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/ , https://alpha1.org/ , and www.copdfoundation.org/. This insightful episode is sponsored by Grifols.

Disclaimer: The receipt of free alpha-1 screening or testing services does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer.

Join hosts Stephanie Williams and Amanda Atkinson in this introductory look into rare lung conditions, focusing on bronchiectasis, NTM, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency with expert Dr. Sandy Sandhaus. To stay informed on best practices for diagnosis and care of these conditions visit https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org, https://alpha1.org, and www.copdfoundation.org.

It's common to think of exacerbations (flare-ups) as an event where your symptoms are so bad that you end up in the emergency room. Did you know that there are other kinds of exacerbations, too? Stephanie Williams, BS, RRT, and Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN, of the COPD Foundation offer a deep dive into understanding exacerbations.