For those in the US who suffer from severe allergies that can result in experiencing potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, EpiPens are a crucial part of life. However, starting around a decade ago, the price of the medication skyrocketed—putting thousands of lives, especially those of children, at risk.
In a step towards protecting those who are vulnerable to this, the state of Illinois will soon become the first state to require that insurance companies cover the EpiPen auto-injector for anyone 18 years of age or younger. When administered during an anaphylactic attack, the pens deliver what can be a lifesaving dose of epinephrine or adrenaline. The epinephrine helps open up the airways and reduce swelling.
Hopefully, the bill, which is to take effect on January 1st, 2020, will eventually expand to the national level.
