On August 21, 2025, the COPD Action Alliance released a national survey highlighting significant barriers faced by people diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or who suspect they have it. The findings point to challenges with insurance, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited availability of care, and they underscore calls for policy reform and improved access to treatment and education.
What the Survey Found
The survey gathered insights from 250 individuals diagnosed with or suspecting they have COPD. Key results include:
- 42 percent of respondents suspect they have COPD but have never been formally diagnosed.
- Nearly 1 in 3 patients reported facing insurance-related barriers to getting needed medications or treatments.
- 79 percent said navigating the health care system is difficult.
- Only 40 percent correctly identified COPD as a leading cause of death, indicating a need for stronger public awareness and education.
- Patients ranked top policy priorities as strengthening health care coverage, ensuring access to treatment, increasing research funding, and expanding pulmonary rehabilitation.
Voices From the Alliance
Sarah Hoffman, Coalition Director for the COPD Action Alliance, emphasized the urgency of addressing these gaps: “Too many Americans are living with COPD in the dark—undiagnosed, unsupported and underserved… Patients want action—better coverage, better access and better awareness. We owe it to the 30 million Americans with COPD to listen and act.” She added, “Patients are telling us where the system is failing—and where we must improve. Now it’s time for lawmakers and health leaders to step up.”
Policy Actions Urged by the Alliance
The COPD Action Alliance is calling on decision-makers at every level to prioritize COPD policy solutions, including:
- Improved education campaigns
- Affordable access to medications and oxygen
- Eliminating unnecessary insurance delays
About the COPD Action Alliance
The COPD Action Alliance is an advocacy coalition focused on increasing awareness, supporting grassroots advocacy, and improving COPD policy.
Read the Full Report
To review the full findings, visit: https://copdactionalliance.org.
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