Two Appleton-area Democrats are seeking to limit the cost of asthma medications and related medical supplies, arguing the move would save lives and eliminate an “undue financial burden.”
Rep. Lee Snodgrass and Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim yesterday announced the legislation, which would limit monthly out-of-pocket costs of asthma inhalers and other asthma prescriptions to $25 for a one-month supply. It would also cap these costs for related medical supplies to $50 per month.
The announcement references the death of Appleton resident Cole Schmidtknecht last year, noting he wasn’t able to afford the cost of his inhaler after the price “skyrocketed” to more than $500. He reportedly went without an inhaler due to having to pay rent and then died from an asthma attack.
His parents, Shanon and Bil Schmidtknecht, have filed a lawsuit against United Healthcare subsidiary Optum Rx and Walgreens over their son’s death.
In a statement on the bill, Snodgrass says more people are being “forced to choose between essential medication and basic necessities” as the cost of living rises. She argues no one should have to forego emergency asthma care because the cost of their inhaler “went through the roof” without notice.
“This bill addresses a critical step towards ensuring asthma patients can afford the medicine they need without undue financial burden,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Dassler-Alfheim noted more than 500,000 Wisconsinites have asthma or another respiratory condition, adding “they deserve better than this.” She said four other U.S. states have already passed similar legislation.
“This legislation isn’t just going to save lives — it’s going to have an immediate impact on people’s bottom lines and on the overall health of our communities,” she said.
The release notes a voluntary program exists to cap the cost of asthma medications, but the lawmakers say they’re “unreliable” and aren’t available for every patient.
See the release.
