New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill ensuring one rescue inhaler and one maintenance inhaler would be available to patients on state-regulated health plans, free of charge, according to a Nov. 24 news release.
The New York State Department of Health reported that more than 1.4 million adults in the state have asthma. The release added that, each year, asthma leads to more than 1.7 million emergency department visits and costs over $50 billion in healthcare spending.
“Requiring insurance coverage and eliminating coinsurance for inhalers will help millions of New Yorkers living with asthma ensure they are never without the medication they depend on,” Ms. Hochul said.
Inhaler prices have been a concern beyond New York. Last year, a handful of U.S. senators sent letters to manufacturers questioning the steep costs.
