pollution, including pollutants such as cigarette smoke and combustion by-products. Asthma episodes can also be triggered by indoor allergens such as animal dander, mold, cockroaches, and rodents, and outdoor allergens such as pollen. (9) Public health interventions and medical care in accordance with existing guidelines have been proven effective in the treatment and management of asthma. Better asthma management could reduce the numbers of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to asthma. Studies published in medical journals, including the Journal of Asthma and The Journal of Pediatrics, have shown that better asthma management results in improved asthma outcomes at a lower cost. However, research published in Preventing Chronic Disease has shown gaps in consistent and comprehensive coverage of guidelines-based asthma care across State Medicaid programs. (10) The high health and financial burden caused by asthma underscores the importance of adherence to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Guidelines of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Increasing adherence to guidelines-based care and resulting patient management practices will enhance the quality of life for patients with asthma and decrease asthma-related morbidity and mortality. (11) In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that less than half of people with asthma reported receiving self-management training for their asthma. More education about triggers, proper treatment, and asthma management methods is needed. (12) 27 States do not receive funding through the National Asthma Control Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without this funding, State health departments have a limited capacity to improve the reach, quality, effectiveness and sustainability of asthma control services, conduct comprehensive adult and pediatric surveillance, and to reduce asthma morbidity, mortality, and disparities. (13) The alarming rise in the prevalence of asthma, its adverse effect