Mylan offers EpiPen discount programs

Mylan is bulking up programs that help patients pay for its EpiPen emergency allergy treatment after weathering heated criticism about an average cost that has soared over the past decade.

But the drugmaker didn’t budge on its price hikes Thursday, which have drawn ire in Congress and from families that have had to shell out increasingly large sums for the potentially life-saving treatment. That means the insurers and employers that pay the bulk of the EpiPen cost for many patients will continue to do so, contributing to higher health insurance costs.

The average price of a two-dose EpiPen package climbed to about $608 this year, up more than 500 percent from around $94 nine years ago, according to the Gold Standard Drug Database.

Mylan CEO Heather Bresch told CNBC Thursday that lowering the price was not an option. “Had we reduced the list price, I couldn’t ensure that everyone who needs an EpiPen gets one,” she said.

EpiPens are used in emergencies to treat severe allergies that can lead to anaphylactic shock. Roughly 40 million Americans have severe allergies to spider bites, bee stings and foods like nuts, eggs and shellfish.

Mylan said Thursday that it was doubling the eligibility for its patient assistance program to people with incomes four times higher than the federal poverty level. It said that means a family of four making up to $97,200 would pay nothing out of pocket for the treatment. It also noted that its $300 savings card would cut the bill in half for patients who would otherwise have to pay full price for the EpiPen. statement without disclosing the dollar value of the tentative settlement. Volkswagen said in a separate statement that it agreed to make cash payments and provide additional benefits to the dealers to resolve their claims. Volkswagen said it plans to finalize the deal by September.