Senate advances Hunter bill to make asthma inhalers more affordable

SPRINGFIELD — Individuals with asthma could see significant savings on their prescription inhalers thanks to legislation from State Senator Mattie Hunter that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“No one should struggle to afford their medication while big companies profit,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “While insurance plans cover a portion of asthma treatment costs, we can do more to eliminate the barriers individuals face when trying to manage this long-term condition.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s measure, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

According to Illinois Department of Public Health data from 2018, more than 850,000 adults and 160,000 children in the state are diagnosed with asthma. Despite insurance coverage, many individuals still face out-of-pocket expenses ranging from $180 to $300 per month for inhalers. This legislation aims to alleviate this financial burden on asthma patients.

“In Illinois, we continue to prioritize residents’ needs by tackling rising medical costs, including limiting the price of EpiPens and insulin,” said Hunter. “This is one more step toward making health care affordable and accessible to those who need it.”

Senate Bill 3203 moves to the House for further consideration.

Hunter named co-chair of Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force

SPRINGFIELD — By 2050, global demand for meat is expected to rise by 50%, and meeting this demand with conventional protein options alone would accelerate pollution and drain limited resources. To proactively explore Illinois’ sustainable protein options, State Senator Mattie Hunter has been appointed co-chair of the Illinois Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force.

“After advancing legislation to create the Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force, I value the opportunity to join in on this valuable work,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This unique opportunity allows us to explore groundbreaking solutions to concerns in the agriculture sector that align with our commitment to sustainability and economic growth.”

The task force is set up to explore different protein sources and assess their potential benefits, with the ultimate goal of understanding how alternative proteins — like plant-based protein, cultivated meat and fermented proteins — could boost the economy, create jobs and reduce the environmental impacts of traditional meat production.

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Hunter joins Governor Pritzker in announcing expanded access to sickle cell treatment

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter joined Governor JB Pritzker on Monday as he signed an executive order to create a framework for financing and expanding access to new and transformative therapies and drugs, such as the recently approved gene therapies for sickle cell disease.

"For too long, many residents of our state have grappled with the effects of sickle cell disease and the financial challenges associated with seeking necessary treatment," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "I would like to thank Governor Pritzker for signing this executive order to bring both awareness to this disease and action in ensuring equitable access to treatments."

The executive order tasks the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services with leading the state's effort to establish payment models and financial structures that support access to new sickle cell disease treatments and other new high-cost drugs and treatment within the Illinois Medicaid program. The order also creates an advisory council to provide input as HFS develops innovative and sustainable financing models. The council will deliver a set of recommendations by Dec. 31, 2024.

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Hunter leads measure to cap cost of inhalers

SPRINGFIELD — To help alleviate the financial burden on individuals with asthma, State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure to limit the out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhalers.

“As someone with asthma, I know how expensive it is to get the medicine I need to breathe,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “For families needing multiple inhalers a month, the costs quickly add up, forcing some to choose between their medication and other necessities.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s measure, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

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