WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Millions of Americans can breathe a little easier because of new inhaler price cuts.
Three of the four biggest inhaler manufacturers are capping costs at $35 a month for many patients. President Biden says that’s thanks to major pressure from federal leaders to lower drug costs.
“Finally we beat big pharma, finally,” Biden said.
The White House celebrated the move at an event on Wednesday. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was in attendance.
He applauded the new price caps, saying drug makers have been ripping off U.S. customers by charging more here than in other countries.
“We are sick and tired of paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs,” Sanders said.
Advocates are praising the price caps, but say it’s only a step in the right direction.
Kenneth Mendez is the President of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
“This is great news for the asthma community, and I hope we can make this sustainable,” Mendez said.
Mendez wants to see federal leaders take this fight further.
“The drug pricing system is complex, and we need to keep at this, the administration and legislators needs to keep at this,” Mendez said.
He’s pushing for legislation that goes beyond drug manufacturers and address other players in the healthcare pricing chain like insurers, employers, and pharmacy middlemen.
“The government needs to take a look at all the stakeholders that are involved in this and make sure that they hold them accountable as they are with the drug companies to make sure that these medications are more affordable,” Mendez said.
He says the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“10 people die each day from asthma and affordability of their medications is the primary thing that we hear about.”
The new inhaler price caps will start taking effect in June.
