Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring health insurers to cover medically necessary EpiPens and capping out-of-pocket costs at $100 per year, a move aimed at making life-saving allergy treatments more affordable for residents. The new law addresses the rising costs of epinephrine auto-injectors, a crucial medication for individuals with severe allergies.
“For people with severe allergies, immediate access to an EpiPen device can mean the difference between life and death,” Hochul said. “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.”
The legislation, known as S.7114-A/A.6425-A, applies to individual and group health insurance plans, including HMOs and non-profits. This cap on out-of-pocket expenses seeks to alleviate the financial strain caused by skyrocketing EpiPen prices, which have surged by 600% since 2007. Once available for $60, a pack of two EpiPens now costs as much as $600.
The rapid price inflation and the devices’ relatively short shelf life — often expiring within a year — have forced many patients to delay refills or use expired EpiPens. Medical guidelines advise individuals to carry two devices at all times, further increasing costs for those reliant on the treatment.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald praised the new law, saying, “By capping the out-of-pocket costs of medically necessary EpiPen devices, more New Yorkers who are at risk of severe allergic reactions will have access to the medications they need if an emergency arises.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of equitable access to essential medications. “It is unacceptable that so many people are forced to risk not having the device during a life-threatening emergency due to prohibitive costs,” Rivera said. “Access to life-saving medication should not be based on income level.”
Assemblymember Daniel J. O’Donnell echoed this sentiment, stating, “For 15 years, the cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed, placing unreasonable burdens on many families. Today, we reaffirm that financial means should never be a barrier to life-saving healthcare.”
Governor Hochul’s administration has consistently focused on reducing healthcare costs for New Yorkers. In recent years, she signed legislation eliminating cost-sharing for insulin and secured a $10 billion federal commitment to provide affordable health insurance for 1.5 million residents. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure access to essential healthcare resources.
The new EpiPen legislation underscores New York’s commitment to public health and affordability, offering relief to families who rely on epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions.