Asthma management bill seeks to improve asthma in Massachusetts by ensuring access to preventative health care and educational services

More than 625,000 Massachusetts residents, one in ten people, have asthma. Massachusetts has among the highest asthma rates in the nation, the rates are increasing, and statistics demonstrate that uncontrolled asthma in both adults and children significantly impacts quality of life. Blacks, Hispanics, and low-income populations face higher rates of asthma and more severe consequences on overall health and quality of life. In 2004, the nation spent over $16 billion on asthma-related direct and indirect expenditures. The exact cause or causes of the increase in asthma prevalence is unclear. What is known is that asthma can be controlled with proper diagnosis, appropriate medical management, avoidance or reduction in environmental triggers, and education for patient self-management. In January 2007, BUAC helped develop draft legislation sponsored by two state legislators that focuses on improving asthma outcomes by ensuring coverage of asthma education and other services. This bill directs the Department of Public Health to establish a model framework for the provision of asthma management services in consultation with stakeholders. In addition, it requires health insurers to provide coverage for asthma patient education and home-based environmental interventions so that enrollees can manage their asthma, properly use prescribed medications and devices, and address asthma triggers in their home. The ARTHUR public awareness campaign and the subsequent data from the campaign will help inform the legislative advocacy for this bill.