If EpiPens Cost Too Much, Kids Will Die

I am allergic to tree nuts. For me, a tiny amount — say, half a cashew — in baked goods, sauce or a smoothie could be life-threatening. And my daughter, Chiara, reacts the same way to peanuts. My allergist says we should both always carry an EpiPen. With a jab to the thigh, these devices — which resemble chubby ink pens — supply a precious dose of the hormone epinephrine, which can quickly reverse the symptoms of a potentially deadly allergic reaction.

Until recently, each EpiPen could cost $100 or more, a price I consider steep. Then I considered the cost of not having one.