Actually, the only thing that will become unavailable is generic or CFC albuterol canisters. If you already have un-generic albuterol with HFA canisters, like Ventolin, ProAir or Proventil, you don't need to worry about changing inhalers. Xopenex is also not being discontinued.
The price wasn't that bad, mine was $10 for the generic and went to $25 when I switched to Proventil. When the year changed to 2008, my insurance was only charging me $15 for the Proventil since they know generic albuterol will not be available anymore. The price difference between albuterols may not be very much if your insurance company isn't really stupid or evil.
Mia, how is your cough? I hope they gave you something that is helping more.
If it helps at all, I was coughing lots and it turned out to be acid reflux from the steroid inhaler (doesn't usually happen, you have to be sensitive to it) and after about a week of prilosec made it stop. I will have to take the prilosec as long as I have to take steroid inhalers, but at least I don't cough all the time!