H.R. 6052: Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act

This bill, known as the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act, aims to improve asthma research and management in the United States through several key measures. Here is a summary of its main provisions:

Purpose and Findings

The bill recognizes the significant impact of asthma on the population, noting that over 27.8 million people in the U.S. have asthma, affecting both children and adults. It highlights disparities in asthma prevalence and severity among different racial and socio-economic groups. The high financial burden associated with asthma, including more than $81 billion in annual costs, emphasizes the need for better asthma management and public health interventions.

CDC Activities for Asthma Control

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will enhance its activities in asthma management through the following measures:

• Public Education: The CDC will collaborate with state and local health departments to provide information and education to the public about asthma management and prevention.
• State Strategic Plans: Within one year of the bill’s enactment, the CDC, with local health departments, will create strategic plans to address asthma control, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by asthma.
• Data Collection: The CDC will conduct surveillance to collect data on asthma prevalence, severity, and health interventions effectiveness. This includes tracking hospital admissions and emergency department visits related to asthma.
• Collaboration with Nonprofits: The CDC may partner with nonprofits to further disseminate asthma-related information.

Reporting and Recommendations

After three years of implementation, the Secretary of the Health and Human Services will provide a report to Congress detailing the federal and state progress on asthma management, as well as recommendations for further improvement. This includes examining barriers to effective asthma response and suggesting ways to address the financial and health burdens of asthma.

Funding

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $70 million for the implementation of its provisions from fiscal years 2025 through 2029, aimed at enhancing asthma-related activities and strategies nationwide.

Goals of the Bill

Overall, the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act seeks to:

• Reduce asthma attacks and hospital visits.
• Improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma.
• Enhance education and adherence to asthma management guidelines.
• Address health disparities and improve care in underserved communities.

Relevant Companies

• PFE (Pfizer Inc.): As a major manufacturer of asthma medications, Pfizer may see changes in demand for its products based on improved asthma management and public health initiatives.
• BIO (BioNTech SE): If involved in asthma-related therapies, BioNTech could be impacted by any new public health strategies that promote specific treatments for asthma.