Senator Alsobrooks, Van Hollen, and Congressman Mfume Introduce Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act

September 11, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC - Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen (Both D-Md.) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) introduced the Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act, which would allow Americans and their families to be able to afford vital medications. More specifically, the legislation will reduce the price of asthma medications and therapies used to treat asthma and lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma ranks as the third highest cause for hospitalizations for children under the age of 15, and costs the nation roughly $56 billion per year for medication, doctor visits, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and deaths.

"Asthma impacts so many Americans, including children. We should be doing everything in our power to lower barriers to access to lifesaving treatments. That's why I'm introducing the Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act - to make these medicines more affordable. No Marylander, or any American for that matter, should live in a world where they have to decide between rent, groceries, and being able to breathe," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"For Americans suffering from asthma or COPD, treatments for these respiratory diseases are essential, not optional. With this legislation, we're fighting to cut the cost of life-saving inhalers and other treatments so that Marylanders and Americans across the country struggling with these chronic conditions can live full, healthy lives," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Many of my constituents often struggle to afford their medications, and those that have asthma or COPD may also have children or other family members with the disease," said Congressman Mfume. "In the richest, most powerful nation on earth, it is simply unconscionable to let our most vulnerable populations go without life-saving medications and therapies just because they cannot afford it," he concluded.

"The Maryland Health Care For All Coalition commends Rep. Mfume and Senator Alsobrooks for introducing this much needed legislation," said Vincent DeMarco, President of the Maryland Health Care For All Coalition. "Drugs and medical devices don't work if people can't afford them. We urge Congress to pass this measure as soon as possible to save lives," he concluded.

"We cannot ignore the fact that African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, and other disadvantaged communities in the U.S. carry an unjust and preventable burden of asthma-related illnesses," said Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., President of the National Medical Association. "Expanding access to affordable inhalers, nebulizers, and high-quality asthma care is not only a life-saving necessity that will reduce costly emergency room visits, it is a moral imperative to correct deep-rooted health inequities and ensure every person can breathe safely."

"Our research tells us that the high cost of asthma medicines is a top barrier to treatment for people with asthma," said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "We appreciate Rep. Mfume and Sen. Alsobrooks for their leadership focused on making asthma medications more affordable. For people who have asthma, improved access to asthma treatments will reduce emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and even death due to asthma."

The Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act will ensure that American families no longer have to decide between paying their bills and buying the medicine they need to be able to breathe and go about their lives. It is past time that we make these life-saving medications more affordable for all Americans.

More Information on the Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act

• The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has found that Black Americans are 1.5 times more likely to develop asthma than white Americans, and they are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized and 3 times more likely to die from asthma.
• The bill will direct private insurance companies to cap out-of-pocket costs for inhalers and nebulizers at $15 per month for Medicare Part B and Part D beneficiaries, as well as those enrolled in private health insurance plans.
• The bill will establish a cost-sharing program for uninsured individuals capping the cost of inhaler products at no more than $15 for a 30-day or one-month supply.
• The bill will require inhaler products and supplies such as durable medical equipment (DME) to be covered by Medicare Part B, and to cost no more than $15 for a 30-day or one-month supply.
• The bill will require inhaler products and medications to be covered by Medicare Part D, and to cost no more than $15 for a 30-day or one-month supply.
• This legislation is endorsed by the National Medical Association, the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Click here to access the Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act bill text.

###