ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog

Parents in Illinois can breathe a little easier after their governor signed a bill this month that requires insurers to cover the costs for epinephrine auto-injectors for children.

As an article from WIFR in Rockford, IL explains:

According to the governor's office, the cost of EpiPens has increased by 400% over the past decade. EpiPens, which typically have a shelf life of a year, can cost a family up to $700 without insurance.

“This legislation takes a big step forward in protecting our children and families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Lowering the cost of prescription drugs and expanding health care coverage is one important way to help lower costs and build a higher standard of living for all Illinoisans.”

The new EpiPen law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Anaphylaxis is a fast-developing, severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body and can quickly result in life-threatening symptoms. A person’s likelihood of survival is greatly enhanced by the early administration of epinephrine. Epinephrine auto-injectors like the EpiPen are simple-to-use medical devices that allow individuals with minimal training to administer epinephrine quickly in an emergency.

The ASHI and MEDIC First Aid G2015 Use and Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors programs review the causes of severe allergic reactions, how to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, the use of auto-injectors, legal considerations for administering epinephrine, and how to prepare for an anaphylactic emergency.

Federal law allows elementary and secondary schools in the U.S. to train personnel to administer epinephrine to a student suffering a life-threatening anaphylactic emergency. Please note that regulations on the administration of epinephrine vary greatly from state to state and depend on the industry and market segment. For information on ASHI and MEDIC First Aid auto-injector program acceptance for lay users, school personnel, childcare, and camps, Training Centers should refer to our Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Market Spreadsheet to verify approvals in those areas. This document is also available in your online Training Center portal.

Need to get your school district employees up to speed on how to use these lifesaving devices? Get the new school year off to a safe and healthy start by checking out our Training Center directory to find an ASHI or MEDIC First Aid Training Center in your area. You can access the directory by clicking the button below.