State Senator Mike Halpin advanced legislation that limits the cost of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.
“No family should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and putting food on the table,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This legislation is a major step towards making EpiPens more affordable and accessible to all Illinoisans who need them.”
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage of these devices has made this medication increasingly difficult to obtain. Parts of the United States have experienced shortages since 2018, with the FDA permitting an extension of the recommended shelf life of EpiPens to combat the shortage.
In addition to the shortage, the cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed in recent years, with a twin pack costing anywhere from $500-700 on average, and a single injector costing anywhere from $300-400. This has placed a significant financial burden on families who need to keep multiple EpiPens on hand for emergencies.
“This is a major victory for families struggling to afford this life-saving medication,” said Halpin. “With corporate profits at an all-time high, it’s time to say enough is enough. People’s lives shouldn’t depend on whether or not they can come up with $500 bucks.”
House Bill 3639 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday and awaits consideration before the full Senate.
