No copays for asthma inhalers in New York under new law
2 days ago
- #legislation
- #asthma
- #healthcare
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation making inhalers free for many residents starting in 2027.
- State-regulated health plans must cover the full cost of inhalers without copays or out-of-pocket fees.
- The law aims to make asthma inhalers affordable, as they are essential for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.
- The Bronx has the highest asthma rate in NYC, prompting state action.
- As of 2021, 1.4 million adults and 315,000 children in NY had asthma.
- Inhaler costs vary, but some manufacturers have capped prices at $35/month.
- The law follows a similar measure eliminating insulin copays for diabetics in NY.