Dear Dr. Mahler:

I was diagnosed with COPD a few years ago and stopped working in 2020 as a cook at the local diner because it closed due to COVID. When I was working, the owner of the diner covered my health insurance and I paid $25 – $40 as co-pays for my two inhalers.

I am 66 years old and receive Social Security payments each month. I have Medicare parts A and B insurance, but part D is too expensive. My doctor has given me samples of the once daily inhaler on occasion, but he does not have albuterol samples.

I feel desperate now because I really can’t afford the two inhalers on my fixed income. Do you have any suggestions?

Ken from Sacramento, CA