Stephen Mein, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Research Project:
Will Cutting Medicare Drug Costs Help Black and Hispanic Adults to Obtain and Use Inhalers?
Grant Awarded:
- Public Health and Policy Research Award
Research Topics:
- clinical research
- disparities
- health policy
- public health
Research Diseases:
- asthma
- COPD
- emphysema
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common in the United States. The inhalers used to treat these conditions are expensive, which makes it difficult for patients to obtain and use them. Black and Hispanic adults more often have trouble affording inhalers compared with White adults. As a result, they are more likely to get sick from asthma and COPD. A new national policy called the Inflation Reduction Act cut the costs of medications for older adults covered by Medicare insurance beginning in 2024. By reducing costs, this policy could make inhalers more accessible to older adults, which could help them stay healthy. However, it is unclear how the policy affected different groups of people. This study aims to understand whether the policy: (1) made it easier for Black and Hispanic adults to obtain and use their inhalers and; (2) helped them feel better and need fewer doctor visits.
American Lung Association Paul Billings Public Health & Public Policy Research Award
Page last updated: October 30, 2025
Your Gift = 2X the Impact
This November, your gift will help fund lifesaving lung disease research—and will be 2X matched, up to $50,000, thanks to a generous family foundation.
