Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Education and Workforce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill seeks to significantly lower patient cost-sharing for prescription drug inhaler products and related equipment used to treat breathing disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It mandates that both private health insurance plans and Medicare limit patient out-of-pocket expenses for these essential medications. The legislation aims to improve access and affordability for individuals relying on these treatments, with most provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026. For private insurance , including group health plans and individual coverage, the bill prohibits the application of any deductible and caps cost-sharing at $15 per 30-day supply for "specified inhaler products." These products are broadly defined to include various inhalation drugs and administration equipment like nebulizers, masks, and spacers. Any cost-sharing incurred will count towards an individual's out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles. Under Medicare Part B and Part D , deductibles will not apply to specified inhaler products, and patient cost-sharing for a month's supply will not exceed $15. This ensures consistent affordability across different insurance types. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new payment program for uninsured individuals , allowing registered providers to receive payments for furnishing these products, provided they do not charge uninsured patients more than $15 per 30-day supply.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill seeks to significantly lower patient cost-sharing for prescription drug inhaler products and related equipment used to treat breathing disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It mandates that both private health insurance plans and Medicare limit patient out-of-pocket expenses for these essential medications. The legislation aims to improve access and affordability for individuals relying on these treatments, with most provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026. For private insurance , including group health plans and individual coverage, the bill prohibits the application of any deductible and caps cost-sharing at $15 per 30-day supply for "specified inhaler products." These products are broadly defined to include various inhalation drugs and administration equipment like nebulizers, masks, and spacers. Any cost-sharing incurred will count towards an individual's out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles. Under Medicare Part B and Part D , deductibles will not apply to specified inhaler products, and patient cost-sharing for a month's supply will not exceed $15. This ensures consistent affordability across different insurance types. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new payment program for uninsured individuals , allowing registered providers to receive payments for furnishing these products, provided they do not charge uninsured patients more than $15 per 30-day supply.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.