Florida physicians call for policy changes to reduce COPD hospitalizations

More than one million Floridians currently live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which triggered nearly 35,000 hospital admissions in 2025. Medical professionals at the Florida Thoracic Society emphasize that these hospitalizations are often preventable but are exacerbated by insurance administrative hurdles.

Physicians report that requirements for prior authorization and step therapy—where patients must fail on one treatment before accessing another—frequently delay care. Dr. Michael D. Schweitzer, president of the Florida Thoracic Society, stated that these barriers lead to lung damage and increased mortality by forcing patients into emergency rooms rather than receiving timely, guideline-directed medication.

Despite a 60% reduction in the state's age-adjusted COPD hospitalization rate since 2014, the disease continues to cost Florida an estimated $2.5 billion annually. Pulmonary specialists stress that because symptoms are often underdiagnosed, increased access to simple breathing tests like spirometry is essential for early intervention.

Advocacy groups, including the COPD Action Alliance, are now pushing for legislative action to restrict prior authorization delays and expand coverage for pulmonary rehabilitation. They argue that policy reform is necessary to address the needs of patients, including the state’s large veteran population, who are at a heightened risk of developing the condition.