Health insurance companies would be required to offer generic alternatives for EpiPens under legislation that passed by a unanimous vote of the Senate on April 4.

EpiPen is the brand name of a device that delivers the drug epinephrine, which is a life-saving medication used when someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Cost for this drug, which can be in the hundreds of dollars range, often place it out of reach to those who need it most.

Senate Bill 2047 would require health insurance companies to offer generic alternatives for insulin auto-injectors.

Senate Bill 2047 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.