New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli revealed that the government has been losing $1.3 billion per year including medical costs of about 1.7 million residents suffering from asthma attacks.
New York, the third most populous state, has recorded the Bronx, one of its five boroughs, with the highest number of patients suffering from the chronic disease.
DiNapoli also pointed out that Medicaid expenses regarding asthma-related cases have been raised to more than 26 percent for the past five years. He also pointed out that, for more than a decade between 2002 and 2011, the asthma-related death toll of blacks and Hispanics have exceeded white victims.
DiNapoli believes that the matter should be addressed immediately because every time a person suffers an asthma attack; he misses work and school, thus decreasing the productivity for New Yorkers with this chronic disease.
"The state needs to better understand asthma trends and better target publicly funded initiatives", DiNapoli said in an interview with Businessweek.
In efforts to address this alarming health issue, New York has implemented laws that widen the scope of Medicaid access to services and medications that will help control the disease. The state is also currently seeking federal approval for a program that will include at-home evaluations on the Medicaid coverage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma attacks happen when exposed to "triggers." These triggers include tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, and smoke from burning wood or grass. Respiratory infections, weather, and strong emotions can also trigger an attack.
Based on studies, no known cure has yet been discovered for asthma. However, it can be controlled through continuous medical care and education and avoiding the triggers. About eight percent or 18.7 million of the U.S adults' population still have asthma.
