Facing criticism over its pricing, Boehringer Ingelheim plans to cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for its entire line of inhalers that are used to combat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The program, which begins on June 1, is directed at Americans with commercial health insurance, but also at those who lack insurance and, therefore, must pay cash for their inhalers. In taking this step, the company cast its efforts as a bid to assist “vulnerable” patients at a time when an increasing number of people are complaining about the cost of prescription drugs.
“It’s a quite unique and certainly impactful initiative. We believe with this solution, patients will have a fair and more predictable experience when they come to the pharmacy counter,” said Jean-Michel Boers, who heads Boehringer Ingelheim operations in the U.S., adding that he expects the program will also assist people who are underinsured. “It’s a bold move, but we believe [it’s] an important one.”
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