Allergy & Asthma Network Brings Patient Voices to Capitol Hill to Tackle Prescription Drug Costs
Published: April 15, 2026
FAIRFAX, VA, APRIL 15, 2026 – As concerns over high prescription drug prices continue to grow, advocates are taking action where it matters most – on Capitol Hill. On May 6, Allergy & Asthma Network will host the 29th annual Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill (AADCH) in Washington, DC. The event brings together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners to urge Congress to make essential medications more affordable.
The AADCH theme this year is “Prescription for Progress: Bridging the Gap in Patient Affordability & Access.” It spotlights the urgent need for solutions that ensure patients can get the treatments they need without financial hardship.
High drug costs can make it difficult for patients to access the treatments they need. As a result, some may delay care, skip doses, or leave their prescriptions unfilled, leading to worsening symptoms and preventable emergencies.
“Patients and families across the country too often face hard choices between paying for their medications and affording basic needs,” says Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “We are bringing our voices to Capitol Hill to call on Congress to lower drug costs, remove barriers to care, and put patients first. These issues can be addressed in federal legislation, policies, and sustained investments that promote respiratory health.”
At AADCH, Allergy & Asthma Network advocates go to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff. They urge their lawmakers to support or cosponsor legislation and policies that improve healthcare for people with asthma, allergies, and related conditions. Many advocates share personal stories, highlighting the real-life impact of these chronic diseases.
Approximately 28 million people in the United States have asthma, and more than 82 million have allergies. These conditions often require daily medicine, such as asthma inhalers, to keep symptoms under control. A recent study found that six in 10 adults worry about being able to afford their prescription drugs.
AADCH Policy Priorities
In addition to advocating for more affordable medications, Allergy & Asthma Network will ask Congress to support four key bills during AADCH:
- Safe Step Act improves health insurance step therapy protocols and ensures patients can obtain the best treatment prescribed for them.
- Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act requires health insurers to count the value of copay assistance toward deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums.
- Gio’s Law establishes a federal grant program to ensure that first responders have the medications and training necessary to save lives during allergic emergencies.
- One School One Nurse Act addresses the ongoing shortage of school nurses by providing grants for recruiting, hiring, and retaining school nurses in public schools.
Allergy & Asthma Network will also advocate for continued federal funding to support ongoing asthma and allergy research and health programs at federal agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For a complete list of AADCH issues and priorities, visit our Advocacy Center.
“AADCH gives advocates the platform to speak directly with legislators about the real barriers they face in accessing care, from high drug costs to delays in treatment,” says Nissa Shaffi, Director of Advocacy for Allergy & Asthma Network. “Patients and families can drive meaningful change by sharing their lived experiences. They can help ensure federal policies reflect the healthcare needs of communities across the country.”
In addition to advocacy visits at AADCH, Allergy & Asthma Network hosts the annual Congressional Lunch Briefing on May 6, 12 noon ET in the Rayburn House Office Building. The briefing will feature members of the Congressional Asthma & Allergy Caucus, presentations from leading allergists and health professionals, and patient testimonials.
Advocates not able to attend AADCH in person can participate on May 6 from home by contacting members of Congress by phone or email. Allergy & Asthma Network will send to advocates a series of Action Alert emails, highlighting key legislation and providing guidance on how to get involved.
Advocates can visit the Take Action webpage to view current campaigns and access pre-written email messages, making it quick and easy to reach out to lawmakers.
About Allergy & Asthma Network
Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promote evidence-based care, and foster collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.
