ALBANY, NY – Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas celebrates the passage of the Free Asthma Inhaler Bill A10692/S9906 in both the Senate and the Assembly, which eliminates deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements for asthma inhalers, covering both a maintenance and emergency inhaler for those suffering from asthma. Introduced this legislative session in partnership with State Senator Gustavo Rivera who is the prime sponsor in the Senate, the bill addresses a growing public health issue impacting communities across New York State, particularly low-income neighborhoods.

“Today’s victory is a powerful step forward in easing the burden for countless families and hardworking New Yorkers living with asthma—or caring for loved ones who suffer from asthma. We know that poor air quality, driven by industrial pollution, is a leading cause of asthma—and that these polluting sites are overwhelmingly concentrated near low-income communities, many of which are predominantly Black and Brown. Asthma continues to disproportionately impact these communities, and they should not have to bear the cost of harmful industry practices. That’s why the passage of this bill matters. Clean air should not come at a cost. No New Yorker should suffer because they can’t afford the medicine they need to breathe. This is more than a policy win—it’s a victory for health justice and environmental justice. We celebrate today, and we continue the fight. Onward,” said Jessica González-Rojas, prime sponsor of the bill in the Assembly.

The Assembly Member represents “Asthma Ally” in Astoria, Queens, an area that experiences disproportionately high rates of asthma-related illnesses and hospitalizations, particularly among Black and Brown residents. According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 1.4 million adults in New York live with asthma. The condition also significantly affects children. In 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that approximately 315,000 children in New York State had asthma—about 8.9% of the state's child population.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma claims the lives of approximately 10 people every day, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) kills about 390 people daily, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Both asthma and COPD place a significant burden on our healthcare system. Each year, asthma alone accounts for more than 1.7 million emergency department visits and over $50 billion in healthcare costs.

The cost of asthma inhalers can be cost prohibitive for many, with the price of each life-saving device being as high as $640 a month in some instances.

Minnesota, Washington, and New Jersey have passed legislation capping the cost of asthma inhalers. The bill now goes to the Governor’s office for her review. Assembly Member González-Rojas calls on the Governor to swiftly sign this legislation into law.