COPD360social welcomes new member LGG who joins 65,139 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’Š Ever wish your prescription costs didnโ€™t hit all at once?

Thereโ€™s a newer Medicare option called the Prescription Payment Plan (also known as โ€œsmoothingโ€) thatโ€™s designed to do just that.

Instead of paying larger amounts at the pharmacy, this program spreads your medication costs out into more manageable monthly payments.

Hereโ€™s how it works in simple terms:

โ€ข You may pay $0 at the pharmacy for covered Part D medications
โ€ข Your Medicare drug plan sends you a monthly bill instead
โ€ข Your payment amount can change if your prescriptions change
โ€ข Itโ€™s free to enroll, but it doesnโ€™t lower your total costโ€”just spreads it out

For many, this can make budgeting a little easier, especially if medication costs tend to stack up early in the year.

Itโ€™s completely optional, and you can sign up anytimeโ€”but getting started earlier may help you get the most benefit.

Your insight could be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.

๐Ÿ‘‡ Weโ€™d really value your experience:
Have you looked into this program or signed up already? Whatโ€™s it been like for you?

๐Ÿ”— Jump into the conversation here:
https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Have-you-signed-up-for-the-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-MPPP-.aspx

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

5 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Most recent PFT not ruling out copd

Although my most recent PFT results were normal, it is still copd. If I were to take the best FVC I blew in liters in November (4.7) and compare the fev1 I blew in liters on most recent test (3.13), this ratio is not 80% as current test indicated, but …

7 hours ago

Diane Z.

Diane Z.answered the question Shortness of breath does not improve after inhaling of albuterol what is the reason

I have an adjustable Temperpedic bed but I still end up sleeping on the recliner. For some reason in the bed I wake up after a couple of hours and can't seem to get back to sleep until I get o the recliner. Weird right? The ed was very expensive.
Cammie31Lado DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Cammie31and 5 others also answered the question

10 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! That's right. No worries here! Did you know that worrying doesn't make what you're worried about go away? In fact, it can make things worse.
Here on 360Social, we believe in being worry-free! 
Keep an open mind, a positive attitude, and a smile on your face! There's always something to look forward to! ๐Ÿ˜€

16 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

We made it to Friday! ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ˜„

Weekend mode is officially within reachโ€ฆ and however you spend it, make it yours. Maybe itโ€™s a short stroll, a favorite show youโ€™ve seen 10 times (no judgment ๐Ÿ˜„), time with family, or claiming your favorite chair like itโ€™s a VIP lounge.

As you head into the weekend, keep those COPD-friendly habits in your back pocketโ€”stay hydrated ๐Ÿ’ง, keep those inhalers nearby, and pace yourself so the good times can keep rolling.

Because letโ€™s be honestโ€ฆ the best weekends arenโ€™t about doing everythingโ€”theyโ€™re about doing what feels good and keeps you breathing a little easier.

Wishing you a weekend full of comfort, smiles, and just the right amount of โ€œahhh.โ€ ๐ŸŒฟ

๐Ÿ’ฌ So tell usโ€ฆ are you going full relax mode, a little recharge and go, or somewhere in between?

1 day ago

EbonySuede

EbonySuedecommented onLung Transplants as a Treatment for COPD

Wow, this is a procedure I had not yet considered or even discussed with my doctor. However, after reading this article I am better informed regarding the procedure. I will discuss this with my doctor during next visit, as I am possibly a candidate....

1 day ago

EbonySuede

EbonySuedeanswered the question Check-In: Have you tried meditation?

Absolutely! I feel that it helps quiet my mind and allows me to drift off to sleep when I have a hard time falling asleep. I was not quite sure on how to start meditating so I found an app that has a cadre of guided meditation exercises. Now I practice …
WildebeestTara Shedor, COPDF Communications also answered the question Wildebeestand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonBeautiful sunny day on the coast another day to live large with a smile.
Here is another of my bubba dog,gone but never forgotten.


Hope everyone has a bright sunny day whatever the weather.

1 day ago

Gregor

Gregor

I am 62 years old and was just diagnosed with stage 3 COPD. Kind of frightening as I know very little about it. 

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐Ÿ”ชVEGGIE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD๐Ÿ”ช 12 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened 3 scallions, sliced 1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced 1 small celery stalk, finely diced Half of a small red bell pepper, finely diced 2 tbsp. finely diced red onion...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy โœŒGROOVY โ˜ฎ๏ธ Fluffy Friday from our good friend Luke Rossi! We both hope everyone has a positively wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Most recent PFT results from today

This is better than the report you got from the allergist. DLCO and spirometry are basically normal. There is a suggestion of air trapping with the elevated RV and RV/TLC ( this might explain some respiratory symptoms). Sometimes this responds to …
Kmcnamara68 also answered the question Kmcnamara68 also answered the question

2 days ago

DaisyBelle

DaisyBelle

Good afternoon everyone.


I joined the COPD360social today and am glad to have found you! 


You will see that I may โ€œspeakโ€ occasionally, but am pretty quiet๐Ÿ˜Š


Thank you for having me.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manageradded a new article Eating legumes, soy products may help improve COPD symptoms

Isoflavones in these foods may reduce inflammation for people with COPD

Miami (April 23, 2026) - Consuming legumes and soy-based foods may help improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing inflammation and irritation, according to a new study in the March 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a progressive, inflammatory lung disease that affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Previous research has identified diet and nutrition as modifiable risk factors for chronic lung disease, including COPD.

This new study examined how increased isoflavone consumption impacted participants' breathing symptoms, cough, and overall lung health. Isoflavones are a natural substance, commonly found in legumes and soy-based foods.

2 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonToday feels like it's going to be a take one off the bucket list day.All those things we have been putting off are going to have to get accomplished.Regrets never really fade do they,always around asking what if.
Hope you all can take your what ifs and turn them into been there done that's...

2 days ago

ssk1256

ssk1256

Glad to find the COPD Foundation. I was diagnosed with COPD in 2017 when I had respiratory failure and ended up in the ICU for 9 days. They said they didn't know what I had and weren't sure I'd survive. But I came around. I was really told very little and was followed my a pulmonologist who did a spirometry test each year. This year I had respiratory failure again when I went skiing in Montana. 8000ft. I had been there several times before skiing and hiking - breathless here and there of course, but this time my pulse ox dropped to 65%. Went to the hospital, (at 3000 ft)  treated w steroids and breathing treatments for a couple of days. Went back to 8000 ft and skied the rest of the time. My pulse ox did not come back to normal once back at sea level. Finally, this year I pushed to get a full Pulmonary Function Test. I had to push to get it! Weird, I thought. All my numbers were ok except DLCO it was 57% in 2017 and now 50%. 


I quit smoking over 20 years ago although I did smoke from the age of 13 to 47. I've always been very active. Running (until 2017, then walking), working out, skiing, hiking, swimming, and now rock climbing. I'm waiting to see a specialist and hoping I'll be able to go back to altitude. 


I hope the specialist can give some good guidance. The person I went to before seemed very uninterested.


Nice to meet you all. Looking forward to hearing experiences and solutions!

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

GNOCCHI WITH SPRING VEGETABLES 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 8 ounces fresh white button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered 1 cup finely diced onion10 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces2 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp. salt1/2 tsp....

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! Lots of positive vibes flowing here on 360Social! We've got friendly people, reliable and helpful information, answers to your questions, and peace of mind. Have a wonderful day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Well, got another Moderna NexSpike covid shot today (last one we got was 9/2025). We are leaving in 2 weeks for a monthlong trip and want as much protection as possible. Also got a polio booster a few weeks ago, because that was recommended as well. 

2 days ago

Johnmal

Johnmal

I have COPD. Can I visit Yosemite national park?

3 days ago

Kaseykat

Kaseykatanswered the question Is any else dealing with the pollen, are you wearing a mask?

Iโ€™m so scared to go outside. I do try to wear a mask but here in the last week I have let it slid and now I feel like Iโ€™m getting sick.
GAnneCaroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question GAnneand 3 others also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onIs It a Flare-Up?

Great article, Arnelle! Thank you!...

3 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonThink one day a year is enough?

3 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Is It a Flare-Up?

This article was written by Arnelle Konde, MPH, CHES.

If you are living with COPD, you may experience symptoms that change daily. Some days, it may feel harder to breathe, or you may cough more than usual. But sometimes, these changes can mean something more seriousโ€”an exacerbation, also known as a flare-up.1 These flare-ups can have a major impact on your breathing, daily activities, and overall health. Knowing the warning signs and acting early can help you feel better and prevent a hospital stay.

What Is a COPD Flare-Up?

A COPD flare-up is a worsening of your usual symptoms1,2, such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Mucus buildup

3 days ago

Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.