Keeping your asthma under control is a key part of staying healthy. Avoiding asthma triggers to prevent symptoms is important. So is carrying a quick-relief (“rescue”) inhaler everywhere you go. Controller medicines that you take regularly, sometimes every day, help you prevent and control asthma symptoms.

But asthma medicine may cost a lot, whether or not you have insurance. If multiple members of your family have asthma, you may spend even more. Your house may be stocked with different kinds of inhalers and pills for each person.

Here are some ideas to try to lower the cost of your asthma medicines:

1. Patient assistance and drug discounts – Patient assistance programs are resources that offer free or reduced-cost asthma medicines. Each program has different rules for qualifying. Make sure to follow specific directions for each program or discount. Some medicine companies offer discount coupons, while other companies may offer free medicine.

2. Compare pharmacy prices – Call around to different pharmacies. Prices may vary, especially between large chain pharmacies and smaller independent pharmacies. Pharmacies at club stores, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, are generally available to non-members too. Try a price comparison tool like GoodRx. If you have prescription benefits through your insurance, look into your plan’s mail-order pharmacy options. This may give you a lower price or provide more medicine for the same price.

3. Talk with your doctor – Your doctor may be able to prescribe a lower-cost asthma medicine that treats your condition. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved generic versions of some asthma medicines, such as Symbicort®. Talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

4. Change insurance plans – If possible, shop for a different insurance plan. If you do not get insurance through your job or Medicare or Medicaid, you can shop for insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. You may also be able to buy insurance directly from some insurance companies. You can look for new insurance during their open enrollment period, which is usually in the fall of each year. You can also shop for new insurance any time of year for certain reasons or life events.

When you shop for new insurance, ask to see a list of medicines the policy will cover, called a “formulary.” Look for the asthma inhalers you take on the list or look at the list with your doctor.

If your family’s income is below a certain level, you might qualify for Medicaid and/or your children might qualify under The Children's Health Insurance Program. This depends on your state. Visit HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance site. If you get insurance through work, find out if you can shop around during open enrollment.

5. File an appeal– If your insurance refuses to pay for a medicine, you have the right to appeal. HealthCare.gov has more information about how to appeal a denial.

Updated August 2024