WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1359

An Act relative to capping the price of epinephrine

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill caps epinephrine auto-injector prices to improve medication affordability and accessibility for patients with severe allergies.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1359

Legislative bill overview

H 1359 proposes to implement price caps on epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens and similar devices) in Massachusetts. The bill aims to make this life-saving medication more affordable by limiting the maximum price consumers and insurers can be charged. This addresses concerns about dramatic price increases that have made epinephrine products inaccessible for many patients with severe allergies.

Why is this important

Epinephrine auto-injectors are essential emergency medications for people with anaphylaxis risk, yet prices have risen sharply over the past decade—sometimes exceeding $600 per two-pack. High costs force patients to ration doses, delay purchases, or go without the medication entirely, creating serious public health risks. Price regulation could directly impact medication accessibility for vulnerable populations while potentially reducing overall healthcare costs from preventable anaphylactic emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturer impact: Pharmaceutical companies may argue that price caps reduce incentives for innovation and product improvement, or may simply relocate operations or limit product availability in Massachusetts
  • Implementation complexity: Determining appropriate price ceilings requires defining what constitutes "reasonable" pricing without access to full cost data, and defining which products and formulations are covered
  • Market effects: Price controls in one state could create supply chain distortions, insurance market disruptions, or unintended consequences for drug distribution and availability across regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.