House Passes Cox’s Bipartisan Inhaler Coverage and Access Now (I CAN) Act

Today, Rep. TJ Cox (CA-21) released the following statement after his bipartisan legislation, the Inhaler Coverage and Access Now Act (I CAN Act), passed the House of Representatives as a part of H.R. 2339, the Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2020.

By creating a safe harbor in high deductible health plans for inhalers, the I CAN Act will make inhaler medications for the treatment of chronic lung disease more affordable and accessible for individuals and families with high deductible health plans. As respiratory illness affects more young people, it’s important that families have affordable access to resources inhalers, which are a lifeline for anyone who lives with a respiratory illness. 

This commonsense legislation removes barriers to medication access for patients, helps individuals pay less out-of-pocket costs for their medications, and helps patients stay out of the emergency room.

“Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying rent or buying an inhaler for their kid. The I CAN Act removes barriers and increases access to inhalers by providing patients with coverage of inhaler medication, even if the patient has not reached their annual deductible,” said Rep. Cox. “I urge the Senate to promptly pass this bipartisan legislation.”

The I CAN Act is supported by the: American Lung Association Allergy & Asthma Network American Thoracic Society American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 
 
Full Bill Text Here

WATCH: Rep. Cox Speaks on House Floor About I CAN Act