COPD Action Alliance calls for greater federal leadership, awareness campaigns, and insurance reform to improve care for 30 million Americans

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The COPD Action Alliance today released a new white paper, COPD in America and the Road to Better Care, outlining the urgent need for federal policymakers to recognize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, as a public health crisis in America.

The disease affects an estimated 30 million Americans; it is the sixth leading cause of death and imposes more than $30 billion in annual direct medical costs. A number that is projected to double by 2029. Americans living with COPD can expect medical costs to be over $4,000 per year.

This year, the World Health Organization adopted the Lung Health Resolution to address chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD. The resolution elevated COPD as a global health priority, but more action is needed to turn commitments into progress.

"COPD is a critical policy issue," said Sarah Hoffman, director of the COPD Action Alliance. "We need stronger federal coordination, better research investments and common-sense insurance reforms so that people living with COPD aren't left behind when breakthrough treatments become available."

Key Findings from the White Paper:

• Delayed Diagnosis: Half of people living with COPD remain undiagnosed, limiting treatment options and worsening outcomes.
• Insurance Barriers: Nearly one-third report hurdles like prior authorization, step therapy or lack of coverage.
• Rural & At-Risk Populations: Veterans, first responders, rural residents and those with occupational exposures face higher risks and fewer resources.
• Stigma: Association with smoking fuels stigma that discourages people from reporting symptoms or seeking care, especially for those who have never smoked.
• Underfunded Research: COPD remains severely underfunded relative to its prevalence and mortality burden.

The COPD Action Alliance urges federal policymakers to take bold, immediate action, including:

• Full implementation of the NIH's National COPD Action Plan
• Increased funding for COPD research and education
• Removing insurance barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy
• Expanding access to care in underserved and rural communities
• Establishing national standards to track progress and hold systems accountable

To read the full white paper, visit: https://copdactionalliance.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/policy-gaps-and-health-plan-barriers-are-failing-copd-patients-302583673.html

SOURCE COPD Action Alliance