1 in 5 Americans live in a rural area. 

Rural Americans face more health challenges than people living in cities and difficulties getting healthcare because of:

  • Clinician shortages

  • Hospital closings

  • Long distances to get to hospitals, specialists and pharmacies

  • Lack of public transportation 

These factors make it harder to live with COPD.

What Is COPD?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung condition that causes inflammation of the airways, making it hard to breathe.

COPD is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S.                               

COPD in Rural Areas

1 in 12 of people in rural areas have COPD compared to 1 in 20 in urban areas. 

 Compared to people who live in cities, people in rural areas are:

  • 2x as likely to have COPD

  • More likely to go to the hospital for COPD

  • More likely to die from COPD

Why COPD Is Worse in Rural Areas

People in rural areas:

  • Are more likely to smoke 

  • Have fewer stop-smoking programs

  • Are more likely to work in industries that expose them to pollutants

  • Live with more indoor pollution from burning wood or coal for heating or cooking

  • Have more medical problems that can make COPD worse

  • Have less money to afford medications to treat COPD

  • Are more likely to not have health insurance

  • Have less access to healthcare, including specialists who treat COPD

  • May have more trouble getting diagnosed and treated for COPD

How to Manage COPD in Rural America

  • Use telehealth for:

    • Remote monitoring to track symptoms, trends and triggers

    • Digital pulmonary rehab to learn strategies

    • Routine and time-sensitive care

  • Advocate for yourself 

    • You may have to look harder or travel farther for a lung specialist.

    • Most health insurance (including the VA and Medicaid) have to offer specialists within a certain travel time or distance. If they don’t, you can get an exception to see someone out of the insurance network (but you have to request it).

    • Find free or lower-cost care from rural and federally qualified health centers.

Remember: You ALWAYS have the right to emergency care.

Resources

American Lung Association – My COPD Action Plan

COPD Action Alliance – Veterans and COPD

COPD Foundation – My COPD Action Plan

This educational resource was created with support from Chiesi, Sanofi and Regeneron.



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