Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law that removes out-of-pocket costs for asthma inhalers for people on state-regulated health insurance plans in New York. The legislation requires insurers to cover at least one rescue and one maintenance inhaler without deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing requirements.
The move is intended to make these life-saving medications more accessible to the more than 1.4 million adults in New York who have asthma. According to data from the New York State Department of Health, children are also affected by asthma, with an estimated 315,000 cases among those under 18 as of 2021—representing about 8.9 percent of the state’s child population. Nationally, asthma is responsible for approximately 10 deaths each day and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
“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 price of some inhalers can reach as much as $640 per month, making them unaffordable for many families.
New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow stated: “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.”
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, said: “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 commented: “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 added: “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 said: “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 creates substantial strain on healthcare resources each year through over 1.7 million emergency department visits nationwide and contributes more than $50 billion annually in healthcare expenses.
This new law follows earlier action by Governor Hochul in 2024 when she signed legislation ending insulin cost-sharing on state-regulated plans—the broadest such measure nationally—which was expected to save state residents about $14 million in 2025 alone.
