Mylan takes steps to reduce patients costs for EpiPen, increase access

HERTFORDSHIRE,  England and PITTSBURGH — Following recent scrutiny on the increased price of its EpiPen epinephrine auto-injector, Mylan on Thursday announced new steps it was taking to make the product more affordably accessible. The company has introduced a $300 savings card and increased eligibility for its patient assistance program while continuing to donate EpiPens through its EpiPen4Schools program. 

 

“We have been a long-term, committed partner to the allergy community and are taking immediate action to help ensure that everyone who needs an EpiPen Auto-Injector gets one,” Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said. “We recognize the significant burden on patients from continued, rising insurance premiums and being forced increasingly to pay the full list price for medicines at the pharmacy counter. Patients deserve increased price transparency and affordable care, particularly as the system shifts significant costs to them.”

 

As part of its new initiative, Mylan is making a $300 savings card available to commercially insured patients for a two-pack of the auto-injector, which has a list price of $608. Additionally, by doubling the eligibility for its patient assistance program, it has made the EpiPen available for no out-of-pocket costs for those making up to 400% of the federal poverty level. As it continues to donate its auto-injector to schools, the Mylan has opened up an avenue for patients to order EpiPen directly from the company to reduce costs. The programs apply to both EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors. 

 

“All involved must also take steps to help meaningfully address the U.S. healthcare crisis, and we are committed to do our part to drive change in collaboration with policymakers, payers, patients and healthcare professionals,” Bresch said.