Help Me Breathe

My name is Richard.I am an 80-year-old man who needs your help to keep me alive.

I've been battling COPD, a progressive disease, for over a decade. Once it gets ahold of your lungs, it just keeps getting worse. You can't stop it. All you can do is cope as best you can. Currently, I am puffing along on 21% lung capacity.

Working on the computer or lying down reading a book, my breathing is as normal as anyones. When I have to move, I fall off the cliff.

Right now, I can't walk a city block without having to stop two or three times to catch my breath. A portable oxygen concentrator would allow me to walk and do light exercise, which would tremendously increase the quality of my life.

Good brands like the Inogen G5, Philips Respironics, and the Invacare Platinum are EXPENSIVE. They easily cost as much as $3,000! And an extra battery for up to 8 hours of working time goes for more than $300.

I exist solely on SS. The cost of a new machine is nearly 25% of my gross annual income. That leaves me in a real bind.

“Aren't portable oxygen concentrators covered by Medicare?” The answer is: Sometimes.

Typically, Medicare won't pay for a portable oxygen concentrator unless you need oxygen 24/7. Well, right now, I DON'T have a 24/7 need. The doctor also has to provide evidence that alternative measures have failed. Other than medicines like Breztri and Breo Ellipta, no other alternative measures have been suggested.

I have to foot the bill myself though I'll go through the Medicare process to see if I can get approved. Your contribution is a breath of fresh air.