Breathing Relief: Biden & Sanders Push for Affordable Asthma Care

Major pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline recently pledged to cap inhaler costs at $35 a month

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President Joe Biden stands with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., after speaking about lowering health care costs in the Indian Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
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President Biden, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders and health advocates, took a strong stand at the White House, pushing for reduced asthma inhaler prices. In this stride toward affordable healthcare, major pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline recently pledged to cap inhaler costs at $35 a month.

The move ensures competition, thereby lowering healthcare costs for millions. The spotlight on patents blocking cheaper, generic alternatives brought to light the administration’s crackdown on such practices. The FTC’s challenge against over 100 patents underscores Biden’s push against pharmaceutical giants profiting at the expense of patients.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America praised the initiative, underscoring the need for broader actions to ensure affordable access to asthma treatments. But challenges remain for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, highlighting the ongoing battle for equitable healthcare pricing.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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