Governor Pritzker Signs Bill Making Prescription Inhalers More Affordable

Asthma and COPD patients in Illinois can breathe easier in wake of Governor J.B. Pritzker signing Illinois Senate Bill SB3203 into law today. The measure, sponsored by Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), caps the monthly cost of a single prescription inhaler—including rescue and controller inhalers—at $25. The bill passed the Legislature in May. Kristina Hamilton, Illinois Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association, issued the following statement in response to the bill signing:

“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.

People with chronic lung disease often need two to three inhalers. Nearly 1 in 4 adults who take prescription drugs report difficulty affording their costs. Nationwide, the annual per person medical cost of asthma was $1,830 for prescriptions alone.

The law will take effect on January 1, 2025, and will apply to health insurance plans under the Illinois Insurance Code beginning one year later on January 1, 2026.”