(HARRISBURG) – The state Senate today approved a plan to expand senior access to prescription drugs, according to Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), who supported the bill.
Senate Bill 668 makes the following changes to the PACENET program:
- Expands the income eligibility of the program by $6,000 for both individuals and married couples;
- Removes the requirement that a PACENET cardholder pay a monthly premium; and
- Provides the department with discretion to have cardholders enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan that meets their prescription needs.
“For older adults with fixed incomes who are struggling as prices for food and many other basic products continue to rise, these changes to the PACENET program will offer some relief from the worry about how to meet all of their financial needs,” Stefano said. “I’m thankful that my colleagues in the Senate passed the bill and hope it receives the same support in the House.”
The anticipated savings from enrolling eligible PACENET individuals in Medicare Part D plans will provide enough savings to cover the cost of the income expansion. PACENET was established in 1996 to provide additional prescription drug benefits to Pennsylvanians age 65 and older. Eligibility for the program is based on income.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Mark Fetzko, 717-787-7175