Signed by Governor Jared Polis

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report vote and pass a bill that appropriates funds for epipens and auto-injectors.

Highlights:

• Requires health coverage carriers on or after January 1, 2024, who provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors, charge no more than 60 dollars for a 2 pack of epinephrine auto-injectors regardless of the amount or type of epinephrine auto-injectors needed to fill the prescription (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the epinephrine auto-injectors affordability program to provide low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors to anyone who (Sec. 3):

• Demonstrates proof of Colorado Residency;

• Demonstrates ineligibility for assistance provided through certain sections of The Colorado Medical Assistance Act, The Federal Health Insurance for the Aged Act, or the Federal Social Security Act;

• Has a valid epinephrine auto-injectors prescription; and

• Unenrolled in prescription drug coverage that limits enrollee’s required payment for a 2 pack of epinephrine auto-injectors to 60 dollars or less. 

• Authorizes pharmacies to collect copayments of 60 dollars or less per each 2 pack of epinephrine auto-injectors to cover epinephrine auto-injectors processing and dispensing costs (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies a pharmacy may submit an electronic claim for reimbursement if the epinephrine auto-injectors manufacturer does not send an epinephrine auto-injectors replacement supply of the same number to the pharmacy (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the manufacturer to reimburse the pharmacy within 30 days of receiving the electronic claim through (Sec. 3):

• An amount that the pharmacy paid for the number of epinephrine auto-injectors through the program; or

• A replacement supply of epinephrine auto-injectors equal to the amount dispensed through the program. 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report vote and pass a bill that appropriates funds for epipens and auto-injectors.

Highlights:

• Requires health coverage carriers on or after January 1, 2024, who provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors, charge no more than 60 dollars for a 2 pack of epinephrine auto-injectors regardless of the amount or type of epinephrine auto-injectors needed to fill the prescription (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the epinephrine auto-injectors affordability program to provide low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors to anyone who (Sec. 3):

• Demonstrates proof of Colorado Residency;

• Demonstrates ineligibility for assistance provided through certain sections of The Colorado Medical Assistance Act, The Federal Health Insurance for the Aged Act, or the Federal Social Security Act;

• Has a valid epinephrine auto-injectors prescription; and

• Unenrolled in prescription drug coverage that limits enrollee’s required payment for a 2 pack of epinephrine auto-injectors to 60 dollars or less. 

• Authorizes pharmacies to collect copayments of 60 dollars or less per each 2 pack of epinephrine auto-injectors to cover epinephrine auto-injectors processing and dispensing costs (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies a pharmacy may submit an electronic claim for reimbursement if the epinephrine auto-injectors manufacturer does not send an epinephrine auto-injectors replacement supply of the same number to the pharmacy (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the manufacturer to reimburse the pharmacy within 30 days of receiving the electronic claim through (Sec. 3):

• An amount that the pharmacy paid for the number of epinephrine auto-injectors through the program; or

• A replacement supply of epinephrine auto-injectors equal to the amount dispensed through the program. 

Full Bill Text