Childhood asthma is a serious and chronic health issue that affects one in seven U.S. children and
their families, compromising their health and quality of life and placing a heavy financial burden on
families as well as an enormous strain on the health care system.

Treating, managing, and ultimately preventing and reducing the burden of asthma represents a
critical test of the ability of the U.S. health system – health insurers, clinical care providers, and public
health agencies – to work together. Our investigation found that, as a country, we already know
enough to act and improve life for the millions of children living with asthma; we’re just not aiming
high enough. If we did, the nation would create and put into place an array of policy reforms that
together could translate into real change.