Governor Signs Bill to Make Epinephrine More Affordable
New York Governor Kathy Hochul took a significant step towards improving public health on Thursday by signing legislation intended to make epinephrine, the only drug that can prevent fatal allergic reactions, more affordable for residents. This move comes in response to the consistently rising costs of epinephrine auto-injectors, often identified by the brand name EpiPen.
The new state legislation mandates that health insurers will cover the cost of epinephrine auto-injectors and will cap the out-of-pocket expenses at $100. Currently, prices for these auto-injectors have soared from approximately $60 to well over $600 for a standard two-pack, highlighting a troubling trend that has sparked public concern.
Governor Hochul remarked, ‘For people with severe allergies, immediate access to an Epi-Pen device can mean the difference between life and death. 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.’ This legislative initiative aims to ensure equitable access to essential emergency treatments, clearly positioning patient needs over profit motives.
Many residents, particularly in Long Island, face challenges in obtaining necessary epinephrine prescriptions and have been forced to delay purchasing due to high costs or insurance rejections. Dr. Shaan Waqar, an allergist and immunologist, emphasized the frequent issues of denial or required prior authorizations. He stated, ‘There are patients who are hesitant to pick up an EpiPen if the last time they tried to get one they had to pay a few hundred dollars for that device, which brings safety issues into the conversation.’
The new law, according to experts, will greatly enhance patient access to these life-saving devices. Dr. Waqar expressed optimism that capping patient costs will provide a more reasonable financial burden, noting, ‘Capping the out-of-pocket cost at $100 for the EpiPen is very reasonable for most patients—it’s way better than what it has been quoted for some patients.’ This legislation marks a crucial advancement in public health policy aimed at ensuring all New Yorkers have access to essential medical care.”}}]}},{
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