Briefs

New state law requires health insurers to cover cost of life-saving EpiPens.

December 12, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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STATEWIDE — NEW LEGISLATION THAT Gov. Kathy Hochul signed on Thursday will require health insurers to cover the costs of EpiPens. Epi-Pens are used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions in individuals who are at risk or have a history of anaphylaxis, which can be caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, environmental exposures, exercise and other unknown causes. The new law will reduce the sky-high costs of epinephrine auto-injector (known as EpiPen) devices for consumers with commercial health insurance and will expand access to critical health care resources for individuals with allergies. The legislation also caps the pay out-of-pocket amount for consumers to $100, making the lifesaving treatment more affordable for the New Yorkers who need it. Epi-Pens, which require a prescription, have a relatively short shelf-life, expiring after 12 months on average, requiring those in need to purchase the medication repeatedly. Due to the rising costs, many who are prescribed the auto-injectors try to stretch out their supply by going beyond expiration dates or delaying picking up their prescriptions.

The cost of Epi-Pen devices has far outpaced the rate of inflation, with some reports citing a 600% increase in price since the medication was first acquired in 2007 by Mylan, a global specialty pharmaceutical company that later merged with Viatris.

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