Republicans reject amendment to cap cost of life-saving medication

State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis) today offered an amendment to Senate Bill 400 which would have capped the cost of asthma inhalers and Epi-pens, used to reverse an allergic reaction. The amendment failed by a vote of 28-67.

“No one should have to choose between life-saving medication and putting food on the table,” Summers said following the vote. “Asthma attacks and anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening medical issues, and Hoosiers should not have to worry about how they're going to pay for the necessary equipment to save their lives.”

Summers' amendment would have capped the cost of Epi-pens at $25 a month, and $50 a month for asthma inhalers.

“This amendment was also an opportunity to decrease racial disparities in our healthcare system,” Summers continued. “African Americans and people of color are more likely to live in poverty than white Hoosiers, and are also more likely to have asthma. African Americans throughout the country are three times more likely to die from asthma than white Americans. Making sure that people can afford inhalers, as well as Epi-pens, will lower the fatality rates for asthma attacks and allergic reactions, as well as decrease the number of emergency room visits.

“This was a common-sense amendment that would have improved health outcomes and saved the lives of so many Hoosiers, and it's a shame House Republicans wouldn't vote for it.”