Illinois Advances toward Making Prescription Inhalers more Affordable

Today, the Illinois Senate passed SB3203, sponsored by Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), which caps the monthly cost of a single prescription inhaler—including rescue and controller inhalers—at $25. Kristina Hamilton, Illinois Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association, issued the following statement in response to the bill’s passing and its potential impact on reducing health disparities:

“We applaud the Illinois Senate for passing SB3203 to help reduce the financial burden of rising inhaler costs.

“Nationwide, the annual per person medical cost of asthma was $1,830 for prescriptions alone. About 1 in 4 adults who take prescription drugs report difficulty affording their costs. This includes 1 in 3 who take 4 or more prescriptions.

“People with chronic lung disease often need two to three inhalers. Adherence to prescription inhaler medication can lead to less risks of breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, emergency department visits, and fatalities. The death rate for Black people with asthma is 5 1/2 times greater than for white people in Illinois. These deaths are largely preventable. This law would help ensure that these life-saving medications are more affordable and accessible for Illinois residents.”

The bill will head to the Illinois House of Representatives for consideration. If passed and signed into law, the measure would take effect on January 1, 2026, and would apply to health insurance plans under the Illinois Insurance Code.