Roberts Bill to Ensure EpiPen Affordability, Save Coloradans Money Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would boost enforcement of a law intended to save Coloradans money on epinephrine auto injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

HB24-1438 builds on Roberts’ bill to cap the cost of a two pack of EpiPens at $60 by increasing the fines for noncompliance. The bill also authorizes the Colorado Attorney General to enforce both the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program and the Insulin Affordability Program, and makes it a deceptive trade practice for a manufacturer to fail to comply with the Insulin Affordability Program.

“Nobody should have to choose between affording their prescription drugs and paying rent or putting food on the table - but too many families like the ones I represent on the Western Slope are being forced to do just that when it comes to insulin or EpiPens, despite the state law that requires them to be sold at a price families can afford,” Roberts said. “This bill will put more teeth into enforcing our landmark legislation to make EpiPens more affordable, and hold accountable the bad actors who continue to charge Colorado families an arm and a leg for this life saving medication.”

HB23-1002 created the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program, which allows uninsured Coloradans with a prescription to obtain low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors. Under the law, manufacturers are required to provide access to the program on their websites - but recent reports show that some pharmacies and manufacturers are not complying with the new law. 

HB24-1438 will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.