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- New York lawmakers are considering legislation to ease the financial burden of asthma inhalers, as asthma-related hospital visits surge, particularly in September.
- More than 1.4 million adults and 315,000 children in New York suffer from asthma, according to the New york State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease...
- Asthma's impact is disproportionately felt in communities of color and low-income areas.
New York residents,take note: A crucial bill is on the table,aiming to drastically cut the soaring costs of asthma inhalers. Facing a crisis, as September’s ”asthma Peak Week” brings a surge in hospitalizations, this legislation seeks to eliminate cost-sharing, ensuring all insured individuals can access life-saving asthma medication. With inhaler prices hitting a staggering $645 monthly, this measure is a vital step, especially for communities of color, who are disproportionately affected by asthma control challenges. News Directory 3 is following the story closely as lawmakers address the racial and economic disparities exacerbating asthma treatment access. This bill’s success could bring critically important relief to the more than 1.4 million adults and 315,000 children battling asthma medication in New York. Discover what’s next as we track this key legislation’s progress.
NY Bill Aims to Lower Asthma Inhaler Costs Amidst High Hospitalizations
Updated June 02, 2025
New York lawmakers are considering legislation to ease the financial burden of asthma inhalers, as asthma-related hospital visits surge, particularly in September. Dubbed “Asthma Peak Week” due to rising ragweed, mold, and respiratory infections, September sees a spike in asthma complications. However, the high cost of asthma medication often prevents proper symptom management.
More than 1.4 million adults and 315,000 children in New York suffer from asthma, according to the New york State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. Inhaler prices can reach $645 a month, according to the senate Committee on health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), forcing some patients to ration doses or forgo treatment altogether, leading to preventable hospitalizations and deaths. Even insured individuals struggle with these expenses.
Asthma’s impact is disproportionately felt in communities of color and low-income areas. Black New Yorkers are nine times more likely to visit the emergency room for asthma-related issues than white New Yorkers, while Hispanic New Yorkers face a fourfold increase.Low-income zip codes see three times more asthma-related emergency visits compared to wealthier areas.
Under pressure from the HELP committee and Sen. Bernie Sanders, major inhaler manufacturers like AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline have agreed to cap inhaler prices at $35 per month for those with commercial insurance or who are uninsured. though, this cap excludes those enrolled in government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
To address this gap, Assembly Member Jessica gonzález-Rojas and State Senator Gustavo Rivera have introduced a bill to eliminate cost-sharing requirements for inhalers, ensuring free access for all insured individuals. González-Rojas, representing queens communities with high asthma hospitalization rates, and Rivera, representing the Bronx, where asthma mortality is considerably higher, are spearheading this effort to combat New York’s asthma crisis and improve asthma control.
Other states, including Minnesota, Illinois, Washington, and New Jersey, have already implemented similar legislation, capping cost-sharing at varying amounts. Elisabeth R. Benjamin, vice president of health initiatives at the Community Service Society of New York, said, “This smart bill will ensure that insurance cost-sharing is never a barrier to accessing life-sustaining inhalers for those who need it,” highlighting the importance of affordable asthma treatment and asthma medication.
What’s next
The proposed legislation now faces consideration in the New York State legislature, with advocates hoping for its swift passage to provide immediate relief to asthma sufferers across the state.