Letter to Andrew Slavitt, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Epipen Price Increase

Letter

Dear Acting Administrator Slavitt:

The EpiPen is an emergency lifeline for the millions of individuals who are at risk for severe allergic reactions, and recent news that Mylan Pharmaceuticals has raised the price of an EpiPen Two-Pack from $100 in 2007 to nearly $600 today is deeply troubling. While I am supportive of the Senate Judiciary Committee's efforts to get more information on this drastic increase, I write to you to respectfully request answers regarding the impact this price change has had on the government's prescription drug costs through Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

In addition, Mylan Pharmaceuticals has recently announced that they will introduce a generic version of the EpiPen at a price of $300. That action appears to have only come as a result of the recent public outcry concerning the drug's cost. However, I am concerned that there are still further questions Mylan must answer regarding why the price was so high in the first place, and whether this move will be enough to make this life-saving drug accessible to those who need it most, as well as its impact on the government's prescription drug costs.

As such, I respectfully request that you provide information regarding the impact Mylan's price changes have had on the Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and CHIP programs since the company acquired EpiPen in 2007. I look forward to your response and to working with you to ensure that there is an affordable and accessible option for individuals at risk from severe allergies.

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