Approximately 16 million people across America have been diagnosed with COPD, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, encompasses several lung diseases: Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and severe asthma. It is a progressive disease that causes a breathing hardship.
As reported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, smoking is the leading cause of this disease; however, up to 25% of sufferers have no smoking history. The lungs are subject to fumes from chemicals, air pollutants, dust, and irritants that can contribute to COPD.
If you have a cough that does not go away on its own and produces an overabundance of mucus, or if you experience wheezing, shortness of breath and a tightening sensation in your chest, schedule an appointment to see your doctor right away. If you are diagnosed with COPD, the good news is that it is treatable.
How Yupelri Works
Yupelri is an inhalation solution prescribed to people with COPD. Its generic name is revefenacin. Yupelri is described as an anticholinergic medicine. Anticholinergic is defined as having the ability to block activity of certain organs by countering the action of acetylcholine, which acts as a nerve impulse transmitter. The resulting action is that the muscles surrounding the airway in the lungs relax and open wider, warding off COPD symptoms, namely wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.
Revefenacin is administered with a nebulizer. By converting the drug from a liquid state to a mist, this equipment facilitates inhalation. To be clear, this medication is not a long-term solution in that it does not have an immediate effect. For sudden breathing issues, like wheezing or shortness of breath, the use of a prescribed inhaler can provide quick relief.
Medicare Coverage for Yupelri
To identify specific drugs covered under your Medicare plan, check your Plan D’s formulary. Medicare recipients enroll in Medicare Part D to obtain prescription drug coverage. It is offered by private insurance companies and is optional insurance. Plans vary in cost and coverage.
However, since Yupelri is used in a nebulizer, check for coverage under Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance that includes outpatient care and services, including durable medical equipment. DME covers nebulizers and some medications deemed medically necessary to be used with the equipment. Note that nebulizers are sold as tabletop models suitable for home use and also as portable devices. DME coverage is for home equipment only and must meet specific criteria for coverage.
Related articles:
Does Medicare Cover Pain Management?(Opens in a new browser tab)
Does Medicare Cover the Measles Vaccine?(Opens in a new browser tab)