Bill to cap cost of EpiPens makes its way through State House
DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- A bill that would cap the costs of Epinephrine Auto-injectors, EpiPens, is one step closer to being signed into Colorado law.
Wednesday, HB23-1002 passed the House by a majority vote of 47 to 15. The proposed bill would lower the prices of EpiPens from the current almost $700 for two to around $60
The legislation is modeled after the Colorado Insulin Affordability Program, which is meant to make life-saving medications affordable for all Coloradans.
The main goal for state representative Iman Jodeh is to keep Coloradans healthy.
"Health care is a basic human right and no one should have to really choose between rent or groceries and life-saving medication," said Iman Jodeh, State Representative for House District 41 in Aurora, a sponsor for the bill.
"About 15 years ago I was stung by a yellow jacket on my hand, and it swelled up doubled and at that point, the allergist said you need to carry EpiPens," said Karen Jones, EpiPen user.
Jones knows firsthand just how important the medication can be. She said passing a bill like this one is essential.
"Getting hit by a bill of $600 plus for a lifesaving medication is just not okay," said Jones.
The bill would also create an affordability program for those who are uninsured -- making it easier to get EpiPens at a lower cost.
"Really wanting to make sure that something, as commonly needed as an EpiPen, remain affordable," said Jodeh.
Right now, prices range anywhere from $30 for those with medical insurance to more than $700 for those without it. EpiPens expire after 12 months, and need to be re-prescribed and repurchased annually.
"We've heard from a lot of people that they are having to rely on expired medication simply because they couldn't afford to have two," said Jodeh.
According to supporters of the bill, HB23-1002 would help the over 500,000 Coloradans experiencing severe food allergies and the over 430,000 with asthma.
