Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation aimed at improving access to asthma medication for New Yorkers. The law removes co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles for one form of rescue inhaler and one form of maintenance inhaler for patients covered by state-regulated health plans. Over 1.4 million adults in New York are affected by asthma, and the cost of inhalers—sometimes as high as $640 per month—has been a barrier for many.
“No one should have to choose between paying their bills or refilling a prescription for an inhaler that could save their life,” Governor Hochul said. “Requiring insurance coverage and eliminating coinsurance for inhalers will help millions of New Yorkers living with asthma ensure they are never without the medication they depend on.”
The legislation, S.1804-A/A.128-A, mandates that all insurance policies cover at least one rescue and one maintenance inhaler without any out-of-pocket costs.
New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow commented, “Eliminating out-of-pocket costs for inhalers will expand access to life-saving medication for the nearly two million New Yorkers living with asthma. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, cost will no longer be a barrier to this critical care.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has access to the life-saving medications they need. Cost should never stand between a person and the inhaler that could save their life. Removing co-pays means more New Yorkers can breathe easier—literally and financially.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera added, “With the Governor signing this bill into law, New York is one step closer to eliminating the financial barriers that keep our residents from accessing life-saving asthma medications. I want to thank my partner in the Assembly, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, for working closely with me to get this important law on the books, which will improve access to care.”
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “I’m so proud that Governor Hochul has signed my bill, A128A, into law. This legislation is a critical step toward advancing health equity for the communities I represent and for families across New York State. For too long, New Yorkers — especially those living in areas like Asthma Alley in my district — have faced disproportionate asthma rates and unacceptable cost barriers to essential care. By eliminating copays, deductibles, and cost-sharing for asthma inhalers, we are ensuring that every New Yorker can access the life-saving medication they need. I am grateful to the advocates, healthcare professionals, and community leaders whose partnership helped make this law a reality. Today, we are taking an important step toward building a healthier and more just New York.”
Council Member Lynn Schulman also expressed support: “Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this lifesaving legislation, to provide asthma inhalers at no cost to patients. Also kudos to bill sponsors Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and Senator Gustavo Rivera. As Chair of the NYC Council Health Committee I am happy to say that New Yorkers can now breathe a sigh of relief!”
Asthma impacts both adults and children across New York State; according to state health officials more than 1.4 million adults live with asthma while about 315,000 children were estimated by federal data in 2021—roughly 8.9 percent of children statewide—to have been diagnosed with it.
Nationally asthma remains a significant public health concern; it causes over 1.7 million emergency department visits annually in addition to contributing more than $50 billion each year in healthcare expenses.
This legislative move follows earlier action by Governor Hochul who previously signed into law measures removing insulin cost-sharing requirements on state-regulated health insurance plans—a policy considered among the broadest prohibitions against such fees nationwide—which is projected to save residents an estimated $14 million during 2025 as part of ongoing efforts targeting affordability issues around chronic disease management.
