U.S. CONGRESSMAN BILL JOHNSON Proudly Representing Eastern and Southeastern Ohio

Discussion about high prices for life-saving drugs and medical treatment increased last month after Mylan raised the price of the EpiPen to $600, more than doubling the item’s cost over the past three years.

Sen. Shelley Capito, R-W.Va., is among lawmakers who say medical prices need to be scrutinized more in Washington.

“Senator Capito believes that recent questions about the spike in prices for certain drugs should be fully and promptly answered and subject to a full investigation,” said Capito spokeswoman Ashley Berrang. “More price transparency and a better, more efficient regulatory process at the Food and Drug Administration may be appropriate steps to prevent similar situations.”

Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., said his office already has requested more information from Mylan about the pricing on its EpiPen.

“The skyrocketing cost of medicine is a national issue that is hurting families already being squeezed by higher deductibles and co-pays,” he said. “Maintaining affordable access to medicine, whether it’s to save a child from an allergic reaction with an EpiPen or to help a cancer patient with a new treatment, is a top priority. We’ve contacted Mylan to ask for a more comprehensive explanation for the price increase on EpiPens, because their public statements to date have fallen short.”

Heather Bresch, the CEO of Mylan, is the daughter of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. Manchin’s office did not return messages seeking comment.

Among Ohio officials, Rep. Bill Johnson, a Republican, said Washington must share the blame in the rising cost of medical care.

“There is no doubt that the federal government has contributed to this problem — like what we just saw with the EpiPen — by sustaining a burdensome approval process that delays getting effective drugs and cures to patients, and limits the necessary competition to keep prices affordable,” he said.

“Access to a drug injector, like the EpiPen, is a must for most families and individuals who face the risk of serious allergic reactions every day,” Johnson continued. “The steep cost increase of the EpiPen is concerning, and Congress is asking important questions in looking into this matter. We must get answers for those who depend on this medication. In cases like this one, I believe Congress has a responsibility to find the truth — and, if necessary, act.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, said medical costs need to be better negotiated for those relying on Medicare and other government programs.

“Life-saving drugs should do just that — save lives, not line the pockets of the pharmaceutical industry and its CEOs,” Brown said. “To ensure that all Americans have affordable access to the medications they need, we need to increase transparency in our pharmaceutical industry and hold companies accountable when they price-gouge customers to help their bottom line.”

Sen. Brown is working on a series of bills “aimed at negotiating better drug prices for the American people and will continue to demand answers from companies like Mylan who increase the cost of live-saving medications,”according to information provided by his office.

The office of Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, did not return calls seeking comment.