To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here.

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.

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here.

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.

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here.

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.