The devastating effects of chronic obstructive pneumonia (COPD) on human health and the medical costs that it causes are immense. Over 30 million Americans suffer from chronic coughing, increased breathinglessness, wheezing and other symptoms of progressive lung disease.
COPD patients need to take medication daily. Inhaled COPD drugs, like Spiriva have been hugely successful, generating billions of dollars in annual revenue.
These drugs open up the airways to allow for easier breathing. Unfortunately, the current market for so-called “bronchodilator” drugs has limitations, according to Dr. David A. Edwards of Harvard University. “The main problem is that they are not very efficient at delivering drugs to the lungs,”He elaborates. Many of the drugs stick to the throat and mouth, rather than reaching the lungs. In addition, says Dr. Edwards, “the fact that the drugs remain in the mouth and throat can lead to serious side effects.”
Many companies are working to improve the efficiency of drug delivery. “One particularly promising idea, being developed by Pulmatrix, Inc. [NASDAQ: PULM], is to attach drugs to small particles that can ‘fly’ far more easily into the lungs,” says Dr. Edwards. These advanced techniques are a great idea. “dry powder”Technology can deliver as many as 50 times the drug to the lungs, compared with current inhalers. It also dramatically reduces the amount of drug stuck in the throat and mouth. “It’s like a pill for the lungs,”He said.
Pulmatrix is currently developing an inhaled bronchodilator for COPD. It combines the active ingredient in Spiriva with its proprietary dried particles. Clinical trials have shown that the product delivers the drug five times faster to the lungs than other marketed options.
“That should bring both good efficiency and fewer side effects — offering important benefits to COPD patients,” says Dr. Edwards.
Today’s life is very fast. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.
It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.
According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Additionally, rising healthcare costs have forced employers to take cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.
* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.
* Increasing employees’ share of premium.
* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.
A lot of people will have to wait for up to a few months before receiving their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is just one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.
Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It is vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.
Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.
