The cost ofasthma medicationsplays a central role in these disparities.
This is true despite their insurance status.
Among adults with full health insurance coverage, one in eight report problems affording asthma care.
Zoe Hansen / Verywell
Among those with partial or no coverage, nearly half struggle with affordability.
While having insurance generally improves health outcomes in people with asthma, not everyone benefits equally.
A bigger factor comes off as a family’s annual income.
Without Insurance
Having no insurance almost invariably leads to poorer outcomes in people with asthma.
What may surprise you is that it seems to have the opposite effect in terms of hospitalizations.
Regarding health care in the United States, communities of color are disproportionately affected.
Black and Latinx people are especially more likely to seek emergency care for asthma than White people.
Hospital Bills
The hospital bill for one severe asthma event can be staggering.
For some patients, the costs may be far greater.
Breathing Tools
Inhaled asthma medications, includinginhaled steroidsandlong-andshort-acting bronchodilators, remain the mainstay of asthma treatment.
For most people with asthma, the drugs account for the majority of out-of-pocket costs.
Every state has different ways of calculating these prices and dispensing fees, both of which increase out-of-pocket costs.
These issues affect many communities of color that tend to have higher rates of poverty and unemployment.
Why Are Inhalers So Expensive?
Start by speaking with your healthcare provider.
GoodRx also helps you find coupons from a comprehensive list of participating pharmacies.
Racial Disparities
The burden of asthma falls disproportionately on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people.
There are also unique factors contributing to health disparities in the Black, Latinx, and Indigenous populations.
Language barriers and lower rates of Latinx healthcare workers further impact the quality of care in hospitals and clinics.
Summary
Asthma does not affect all groups equally.
Untreated asthma can lead to a variety of health complications, so it’s important find accessible treatment options.
Fortunately, there are several assistance programs available to make the cost of asthma treatment more affordable.
Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to ease the financial burden while maintaining your health.
If you qualify, coverage starts immediately.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma disparities in America, 2020. doi:10.7759/cureus.13498
Medicaid.gov.Medicaid covered outpatient prescription drug reimbursement information by state quarter ending September 2021.
2015;175(7):11719. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.1665
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Most recent national asthma data.
Social Security.Disability evaluation under Social Security: 3.00 respiratory disorders - adult.
