Albany, NY – A new proposal in the New York State Assembly would require health insurance plans to fully cover asthma inhalers with no out-of-pocket costs to patients.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, aims to eliminate copays, deductibles, and coinsurance on at least one rescue and one maintenance inhaler for every insured New Yorker.
If passed, the measure would take effect January 1, 2027, mandating that all new or renewed policies include no-cost coverage for the life-saving medication.
Asthma costs and risks remain high
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 20 million adults and 4.5 million children in the United States live with asthma, yet high inhaler prices remain a persistent barrier to care. Some devices cost up to $640 per month, forcing many patients to ration doses or forgo treatment altogether.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that asthma kills roughly 10 people every day, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, kills about 390 people daily, making it the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
Asthma-related emergencies lead to more than 1.7 million ER visits annually and generate more than $50 billion in healthcare costs, according to federal data.
Drugmakers respond to price pressure
Major pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline, recently agreed to cap out-of-pocket inhaler costs at $35 per month. Advocates, however, say that’s not enough, arguing that full coverage is essential for people who rely on these medications to breathe safely.
Assemblymember González-Rojas’ bill builds on these changes by ensuring that cost caps become complete cost elimination for New Yorkers.
Next steps for the bill
The legislation, Assembly Bill A128A, amends multiple sections of the state’s insurance law to require comprehensive inhaler coverage. It passed through the Insurance Committee after its 2024 introduction and will next move toward a full Assembly vote.
Fiscal impacts on state and local governments have yet to be determined, but supporters say the potential savings from reduced emergency care and hospitalizations could outweigh the upfront costs to insurers.
Key Points
- New bill requires insurers to cover one rescue and one maintenance inhaler at no cost.
- Asthma and COPD kill about 400 Americans each day combined.
- The law would take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved.
