Lawmakers demand info on EpiPen price hike

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Members of Congress are demanding more information on why the price for lifesaving EpiPens has skyrocketed.

EpiPens are injection devices used to ward off potentially fatal allergic reactions, and the price has surged in recent years. A two-dose package cost around $94 nine years ago.

The average cost was more than six times that in May, according to the Elsevier Clinical Solutions’ Gold Standard Drug Database.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, wrote to Mylan, the company that manufactures the devices, and asked for more information on why the prices have increased.

He cited the cost to parents whose children need them and also to schools that keep the EpiPens on hand. He noted the costs also can be passed on to taxpayers when children are covered by Medicaid or other government programs.

Two other senators, Democrats Mark Warner of Virginia and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, also wrote to the company about the high prices.

Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., on Tuesday asked the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to have a hearing on the issue. She is a co-chairwoman of the Congressional Kids Safety Caucus.

A two-dose package sold for an average $608 in May, according to the Elsevier database, and has possibly risen since then.

In a statement Monday, Mylan said it has savings programs for patients and is also offering free EpiPens to schools.