Luján Highlights Major News on Capping Cost of Inhalers to $35

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP), and HELP Committee members to highlight their three-month investigation into the outrageously high cost of inhalers that resulted in three major companies capping out-of-pocket costs for inhalers at $35. 

Chair Sanders and Senators Luján, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) launched their investigation in January into the largest inhaler manufacturers in the world. Following their investigation, Beohringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, and GloxoSmithKline (GSK) all committed to capping the cost of inhalers to no more than $35 at the pharmacy counter. This will significantly cut costs for thousands of New Mexicans with asthma and COPD. These caps represent roughly 75 percent of the inhaler market.   

“New Mexicans shouldn’t be forced to ration their life-saving medication to make ends meet. Thanks to the investigation from the HELP Committee, three of the largest inhaler manufacturers in the world have committed to capping out-of-pocket costs to $35. This is important progress that will impact millions of Americans who rely on inhalers to breathe,” said Luján. “This means fewer parents worrying if they can afford medication for their children, seniors with COPD can keep up with their families, and New Mexicans can afford their medication without breaking the bank.”

“This is a step in the right direction, but the fight is not over. While these caps impact three of every four inhalers, there are still New Mexicans who face challenges to afford the medication they need to survive,” continued Luján. “I will continue to keep the pressure up to hold these companies accountable and lower costs for our families.”