Illinois lawmakers could cap monthly inhaler costs this spring

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A new plan in Springfield could cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost for inhalers. People struggling with asthma and other lung diseases could pay just $25 for one prescription inhaler per month.

Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake) knows firsthand about the rising cost of inhalers as one of her sons has severe asthma. The suburban Democrat said her son uses a maintenance inhaler twice a day and needs Albuterol in case of emergencies. At one point, Faver Dias was paying $180 per month for a maintenance inhaler.

"Every time I went and picked up that prescription, I thought of all the families and all the people who that is a significant amount of money for and who have to make decisions between using this maintenance inhaler and putting food on the table," Faver Dias said.

Illinois State Capitol angle — Mike Miletich

She is now working with the Illinois Respiratory Health Association and American Lung Association to ensure people pay much less.

"We estimate that about 1.4 million people in Illinois have chronic lung disease, so asthma and COPD," said Kristina Hamilton, Illinois advocacy director for the American Lung Association.

The bill could cap the monthly cost of prescription inhalers at $25. People needing multiple inhalers per month would only pay $50. This change will not prevent health plans that already allow people to pay much lower co-pays.

"I believe everybody needs access to affordable treatment that will ultimately save people and taxpayers money if you keep them out of the emergency room," said Faver Dias.

Hamilton and Faver Dias hope the legislation gains strong bipartisan support in the coming months. They stressed that the plan could be critical to address disparities in lung disease.

"The death rate for Black people with asthma is 5 1/2 times greater than for white people in Illinois," Hamilton said. "These deaths are largely preventable."

The proposal will not apply to inhalers available over the counter without a prescription. If signed into law, the price cap would take effect on January 1, 2025.

State lawmakers could discuss House Bill 4504 when they return to Springfield on Tuesday.