Boehringer Ingelheim Inhaler Cost Cap Program Launches

A first of its kind program from Boehringer Ingelheim capping the cost of inhalers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma at $35 launched on June 1, 2024.¹ The program was originally announced in March 2024.

“Ensuring equitable access to life-saving medications is not just a commitment—it’s our responsibility,” said Jean-Michel Boers, Boehringer Ingelheim USA President and CEO, in a news release.¹ “This program and its $35 cost to patients applies to our entire portfolio of inhalers, making them affordable to all eligible patients, including the most vulnerable…such as those who are underinsured or uninsured.”

The reduced out-of-pocked cost will be automatically applied for eligible patients at participating retail pharmacies. Currently, more than 90% of pharmacies across the US are participating in the program. Patients who fill their inhaler prescriptions at a pharmacy that does not participate and patients without commercial insurance, can visit the program’s website to receive a savings card.

All Boehringer Ingelheim inhalers are included in the program, including:

• Atrovent HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA) Inhalation Aerosol
• Combivent Respimat (ipratropium bromide and albuterol) Inhalation Spray
• Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder)
• Spiriva Respimat 1.25 mcg (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray
• Spiriva Respimat 2.5 mcg (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray
• Stiolto Respimat (tiotropum bromide and olodaterol) Inhalation Spray
• Striverdi Respimat (olodaterol) Inhalation Spray

READ MORE: Slideshow: The 5 Types of Asthma and Their Common Triggers

Approximately 24 million individuals in the United States are living with asthma, according to the Allergy and Asthma Network.² More than 11 million Americans are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and an additional 12 to 14 million may have COPD but not know it.

Asthma also represents a significant financial burden: between 2001 and 2011, the number of individuals living with asthma increased by 28%, with a 6% increase in associated costs between 2002 and 2007—$53 billion to $56 billion—and direct costs per person, per year are estimated to be $3259.³

READ MORE: Respiratory Resource Center

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References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim’s COPD and asthma inhalers are now available for $35 a month for eligible patients. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. June 1, 2024. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/boehringer-inhalers-now-available-35-month-eligible-patients

2. When asthma meets COPD. Allergy and Asthma Network. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/when-asthma-meets-copd

3. Cost of asthma on society. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://aafa.org/advocacy/key-issues/access-to-health-care/cost-of-asthma-on-society/