Governor Hochul signs bill that requires health insurers to cover ‘EpiPen’ costs
ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that will reduce the sky-high costs of ‘EpiPen’ devices for consumers with commercial health insurance and expand access to critical health care resources for individuals with allergies.
EpiPen devices are used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions in individuals who are at risk or have a history of anaphylaxis, the Governor's Office says, which can be caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, environmental exposures, exercise and other unknown causes.
The legislation will require health insurers to cover EpiPens and caps the amount consumers will be required to pay out-of-pocket at $100, making the life-saving treatment more affordable for the New Yorkers who need it.
“For people with severe allergies, immediate access to an EpiPen device can mean the difference between life and death,” the Governor said.
“When every second counts, the last thing New Yorkers should have to worry about is whether they can afford the medication they need to survive an anaphylactic reaction. By signing this bill, we are putting people over profit and giving New Yorkers peace of mind by ensuring equitable access to this lifesaving emergency treatment.”
According to the Governor’s Office, the cost of EpiPen devices has far outpaced the rate of inflation, with some reports citing a 600% increase in price since the medication was first acquired by Mylan in 2007.
While EpiPens once cost $60 per device, they can now sell for upwards of $600 for a pack of two pens, the Governor’s Office said.
“Governor Hochul understands that for too long, skyrocketing costs have increasingly become a barrier to these life-saving medications," said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
"By capping the out of pocket costs of medically necessary EpiPen devices, more New Yorkers who are at risk of severe allergic reactions will have access to the medications they need if an emergency arises.”
Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
