DENVER — Epinephrine, commonly known by the brand EpiPen, is a lifesaving drug for more than 500,000 Coloradans. On January 1, a state law that makes the drug more affordable went into effect. However, Denver7 Investigates understands that some pharmacies are not responding to this development.
At the beginning of this year, House Bill 1002 Made epinephrine syringes available to eligible residents for $60. That’s significantly cheaper than the up to $700 price tag someone without insurance can buy for her two-pack.
High school rugby player Jackson Pugh told Denver7 that he relies on his teammates when he’s on the field. But throughout his life, he has relied on epinephrine syringes to keep himself safe. He has a severe food allergy to peanuts. He can be fatal if exposed.
“It’s hard for some people to understand the fear of living in a world where something as small as a piece of wreath can be life-threatening,” Jackson said.
Jackson is also grateful that his parents were able to afford the medicine he needed to save his life.
“I’m lucky that my parents have enough money to buy it every year, but some people don’t have enough money to buy it,” he said.
Jackson’s mother, Keri Pugh, has shouldered the financial burden of buying EpiPens for 15 years. Her son and daughter both have allergies and need access to them.
“We estimate that we paid over $25,000 for this particular product. I think that’s conservative,” Kelly Pugh said.
It’s precisely that high cost that led Jackson and his mother to testify before state lawmakers last year and help get HB-1002 passed. Kelly Pugh said she’s excited to see lawmakers stepping up.
Two months after implementation, Denver7 Investigates has received calls and emails from multiple people who have heard or experienced pharmacies not complying with the new law. Denver7 Investigates raised concerns with state Sen. Dylan Roberts, who co-sponsored the bill. He acknowledged the issues and complaints from Coloradans who still don’t have access to the $60 EpiPen.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Roberts said. “This by these big pharmaceutical companies is disrespectful to the state of Colorado and disrespectful to Coloradans, especially the people who need this life-saving medicine.”
Asked for her reaction to the concerns raised, Keri Pugh said she was “disappointed, angry and frustrated, to say the least.” “It’s just that the people who have the power to do things don’t care.”
Denver7 Investigates plans to find out exactly why the pharmacy is violating state law that could result in a $10,000 fine. Investigators will be visiting multiple pharmacies over the next few days to determine if the pharmacies are not complying with the new state law.
“My children’s lives are precious,” Kelly Pugh said. “I can’t always protect them.”
Denver7 Investigates reached out to the Colorado Retail Council on behalf of the pharmacy for comment and opinion. They haven’t answered our questions.
This is a developing story. Denver7 Investigates will update this story based on responses received from various pharmacies.
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