Bill aims to make inhalers free to insured New Yorkers

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---A newly introduced bill the state legislature could help New Yorkers with asthma save money in their pockets.

"Often times the cost of inhalers, which is a life-saving device for these folks who suffer with asthma, could be a barrier in maintaining their health," said Assemblymember Jessica González- Rojas.

González-Rojas is the sponsor of a bill that would require insurance companies to cover the entire cost of inhalers. She explained just how much money inhalers can be.

"It ranges, but we have reports that it can be as high as $640 a month. It could be out of reach for so many families, especially since you need this as a lifesaving device. It should not cost so much simply to breathe and to live."

Dr. Jim Saperstone, a Captial Region pediatrician, said this could help his patients.

"This is a game changer because if there is easy access to a controller to prevent the asthma, you then prevent these very expensive emergency room visits, " explained Saperstone.

According to Saperstone, shortages are driving up the costs of some inhalers.

"That means that the insurance company can’t find the inhaler that they would pay for usually, so you’d have to then ask permission to then use a more expensive drug which that cost is passed on to the patient."

Assemblymember González-Rojas is hoping the governor will include this legislation in her state budget proposal.