MATSUI AND FROST REINTRODUCE EXPANDED EPIPEN ACT TO CAP COST OF LIFE-SAVING ALLERGY MEDICATION

The following information was released by the office of California Rep. Doris Matsui:

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10)reintroduced the EPIPEN Act, legislation that would expand access to lifesaving allergy medication by capping out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine at $60 for a two-pack for those with employer-based or individually purchased health insurance.

Originally introduced during the 118th Congress, the updated 2025 version expands the bill's scope beyond syringe-based auto-injectors like EpiPens to now cover all epinephrine delivery systems such as nasal sprays and sublingual films, ensuring families can access the format that best suits their medical needs.

The measure comes in response to persistent reports of families rationing or relying on expired devices due to skyrocketing costs. In the U.S., the price of branded epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPens has soared from under $100 to over $600 in recent years while the same medication averages under $70 in the United Kingdom. Even families with insuranceespecially those on high-deductible plansoften face more than $650 in annual costs.

The EPIPEN Act would provide nationwide price relief, saving families hundreds of dollars each year and up to $13,000 over a child's life, from the time they begin carrying epinephrine to when they transition off their parents' insurance at age 26.

Critically, the legislation also aims to help families prepare for the unknown. A first severe allergic reaction can occur without warning, especially in children with no prior diagnosis. By capping costs and expanding coverage, the EPIPEN Act would allow families to keep lifesaving medication on hand, just in case.

"Families shouldn't have to choose between putting food on the table and keeping their kids safe. Yet across the country, the cost of epinephrine has skyrocketed, putting life-saving care out of reach for too many,"said Congresswoman Matsui. "That's why Congressman Frost and I are reintroducing our bill to cap the cost of this essential medication. Families already face enough stress managing life-threatening allergiesthis legislation will lift some of that burden by making epinephrine affordable and accessible for those who need it."

"Going about life with a severe allergy can be severely anxiety-inducing,"said Congressman Frost, who suffers from a severe allergy himself. "But the simple act of carrying an EpiPen or any other type of epinephrine medication can take away a lot of that stress. I'm hopeful that the EPIPEN Act will allow more and more people and families to have the life-saving medication on hand anywhere, because you never know when you might need it most."

The bill is endorsed by leading allergy and health equity organizations, and is part of Congresswoman Matsui's broader push to lower healthcare costs and expand access to lifesaving care.

TheEPIPEN Actis endorsed by Allergy and Asthma Network, Allergy Strong, American College of Allergy Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Asthma and Immunology, American Federation of Teachers, Association of Flight Attendants CWA, Doctors for America, Food Allergy Research and Education, Red Sneakers for Oakley, No Nut Traveler, American Academy of Family Physicians, and MomsRising.

"ACAAI proudly endorses the EPIPEN Act, which requires health plans to cover self-administered epinephrine delivery systems and caps what patients pay for this important medication,"saidJames M. Tracy, DO, FACAAI, President, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Quick access to epinephrine can be the difference between life and death during an anaphylactic reaction. We thank Rep. Frost and Rep. Matsui for their leadership on this bill which will help make this life-saving medication more accessible to allergy patients."

"The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is pleased to support the EPIPEN Act and we appreciate Rep. Frost and Rep Matsui's work on this legislation,"said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of AAFA. "Epinephrine delivery systems carry potentially life-saving medicine. Unfortunately, the cost of these treatments continues to rise because of our complicated drug pricing ecosystem. I hope this bill will establish an approach for stakeholders to develop affordable pricing for our community. People and families managing severe allergies should have access to the medicines they need. This bill addresses a cost barrier and will improve access to epinephrine. We look forward to working with Rep. Frost, Rep. Matsui, and other Members of Congress to move this legislation forward."