With the rising costs of the life saving medication, EpiPen, one New York Senator is looking to lessen the blow of the new high costs.
Senator Catharine Young, who represents the 57th Senate District says she is co-sponsoring new legislation that will allow pharmacists to dispense a less expensive version of the life-saving EpiPen.
"Thousands of individuals with severe allergies rely on their auto-injector to deliver a life-saving dose of epinephrine. EpiPen, the brand name that patients and health care professionals know best, is relied upon by the majority of these patients to combat anaphylaxis, but the prescription contains just a single dosage per injector. People with severe allergies need to keep an injector available at their home, school and place of work, so the costs can really add up," said Senator Young.
The name brand EpiPen, made by the company Mylan has skyrocketed in price over the last few months, and is selling for close to $600. Many patients who need this medication are out of luck, because with high-deductable insurances, the cost of the pen is just too high.
"For someone whose insurance does not cover the prescription, it can create a crippling financial burden. It is a travesty that the company has hiked prices so dramatically, especially without offering any relief for consumers who are beholden to the medication in an emergency situation. We should be doing everything in our power to assist consumers and ease the costs of medications. Allowing pharmacist to dispense an alternative or generic version of EpiPen would result in a substantial saving for many New Yorkers," Senator Young said.
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