MADISON, WI – Representative Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) and State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) introduced a bill that would cap out-of-pocket costs for life-saving asthma medications. In 2024, Appleton resident Cole Schmidtknecht tragically died when he was unable to afford the cost of his asthma inhaler which skyrocketed to over $500–more than fifteen times the original cost. This legislation would limit monthly out-of-pocket costs of asthma inhalers and other asthma prescriptions to $25 per one month supply, and all related medical supplies to $50 per month. While there currently is a voluntary program to cap the costs of these medications, they are unreliable and not guaranteed for every patient.
Rep. Snodgrass issued the following statement:
“As costs of living continue to rise, we are seeing a growing number of people forced to choose between essential medication and basic necessities. Nobody should go to a pharmacy to pick up life-saving medication and be forced to walk away empty-handed because the cost of their asthma 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.”
Sen. Dassler-Alfheim issued the following statement:
“There are over half a million individuals in this state living with asthma or some other respiratory condition,” said Senator Dassler-Alfheim. “They deserve better than this. 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. Wisconsinites should not have to choose between paying their rent and purchasing life-saving medication. With this legislation, which has already been passed in four other states across the nation, they won’t have to.”
