Illinois Becomes First State To Cover EpiPen Costs For Kids

(Photo Source: ajp.com.au)

Illinois Supports People With Severe Allergies

This week, Illinois became the first state to lift the burden of paying for a shot of an epinephrine injection for children from parents to insurance companies.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that would require companies offering health insurance policies in the state to pay for medically-necessary epinephrine injectors in cases of severe allergic reactions for those 18 and younger.

Called House Bill 3435, the law is set to take effect Jan. 1.

Pritzker also tweeted out that the legislation is “a big step forward in protecting our children and families.”
Last year, there was a widespread shortage of EpiPens that had parents scrambling to find a lifesaving shot for their kids. It was during a time when children were returning to school without possible medication.

When a child comes in contact with his/her allergic trigger such as peanuts or a bee sting, an EpiPen can be injected to deliver a life-saving dose of epinephrine. An epinephrine injector, used during an anaphylactic attack, delivers a dose of epinephrine, or adrenaline that minimizes swelling and opens airways.

Parents across the country can only hope that Illinois’ move serves as an example for other states as they too struggled last year with finding EpiPens.

By: Maytinee Kramer