SPRINGFIELD — To help alleviate the financial burden on individuals with asthma, State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure to limit the out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhalers.

“As someone with asthma, I know how expensive it is to get the medicine I need to breathe,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “For families needing multiple inhalers a month, the costs quickly add up, forcing some to choose between their medication and other necessities.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s proposal, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

According to Illinois Department of Public Health data from 2018, more than 850,000 adults and 160,000 children in the state are diagnosed with asthma. Despite insurance coverage, many individuals still face out-of-pocket expenses ranging from $180 to $300 per month for inhalers. This legislation aims to alleviate this financial burden on asthma patients.

“This bill will help ensure equitable access to asthma treatment,” said Hunter. “By requiring insurance coverage and limiting out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhalers, we can remove barriers for individuals managing this chronic condition.”

Senate Bill 3203 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Wednesday.