Rep. Mayadev authors bill in Wisconsin Assembly to cap asthma medication costs

The new bill authored by State Rep. Renuka Mayadev in the Wisconsin Assembly aims to ensure affordable coverage for asthma medications and supplies by capping out-of-pocket costs, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)”.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill requires health insurance policies and plans to cover prescription drugs and medical supplies for treating asthma, including inhalers and other necessary items. It mandates that enrollee cost-sharing be capped at $25 per one-month supply for each asthma prescription and $50 per month for related medical supplies, without increasing costs based on the number of conditions treated. The coverage cannot be subject to any deductible unless it affects eligibility for a health savings account under federal law, in which case specific deductible guidelines apply. The act takes effect on the first day of the fourth month after its publication, with initial applicability for plans beginning on this effective date or in conjunction with collective bargaining agreement renewals.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), and Senator LaTonya Johnson (Democrat-6th District), along 32 other co-sponsors.

Renuka Mayadev has co-authored another 18 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Mayadev graduated from Georgetown University Law Center. with a JD.

Mayadev, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state’s 77th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Shelia Stubbs.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.