SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Lung Association applauded Governor J. B. Pritzker for recently signing a bill that caps the monthly cost of an inhaler, making it more affordable and accessible to people suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthma and COPD affect over 1.5 million people in Illinois and, until now, the cost per person for inhaler prescriptions was upwards of $1,800 for prescriptions alone. On top of all of the other medical and expenses and emergencies people suffering from asthma have to go through can cause a significant financial burden on families and individuals. Individuals with chronic lung disease often need about two to three inhalers and 1 in 4 adults report difficulty affording their prescription drug costs.
Now, people suffering from asthma and COPD can “breathe easy” knowing that Pritzker signed Illinois Senate bill SB3203 into law. This bill successfully caps the cost of inhalers at $25 a month to reduce financial stress on struggling families.
“We applaud Governor Pritzker for signing Illinois Senate bill SB3203 into law and helping to reduce the financial burden of rising inhaler costs for Illinoisans. This new law will not only make these life-saving medications more affordable for Illinois residents, but accessible too,” said Kristina Hamilton, Illinois Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association.
The bill will be taken into effect on January 1, 2025 and applies to health insurance plans under the Illinois Insurance Code.