On the recordJanuary 12, 2024
Yesterday, I introduced the EPIPEN Act to cap the cost of any two-pack epinephrine auto-injector to $60 for folks with private health insurance. A few years ago, I had a life-threatening allergic reaction and had to use an expired EpiPen that I hadn't replaced due to the sky-high cost. If it wasn't for the EMTs, I would have died that night. They can cost more than $650, even after insurance. I am not alone. I heard from an American who can't afford to purchase enough EpiPens so that way her kid can have one in all the places they need it: their backpack, the school nurse, at daycare, at home, and in the car. I heard from an American who keeps four expired EpiPens in the hopes that they will have enough active medication to save his life one day. I heard from an American who hasn't filled a prescription in the past decade despite having severe allergies. She works in the medical field. Folks, it is plain and simple: It doesn't have to be this way. We need Congress to step in, look out for working families, and cap these prices for lifesaving medications. ____________________
