FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Frank Dermody D-Allegheny www.pahouse.com/dermody

House approves bill to keep thousands of seniors from being bumped

from PACE/PACENET programs

HARRISBURG, May 8 -- State Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, said the state House of Representatives approved legislation this week that would protect thousands of Pennsylvania senior citizens from losing their prescription drug coverage.

The legislation (H.B. 2345) would maintain eligibility for Pennsylvania seniors in the state's prescription assistance programs, PACE and PACENET, if this year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment pushes them over the income eligibility limit.

"It may be hard to believe, but a simple cost-of-living adjustment, which increases Social Security payments for seniors, can easily jeopardize their access to vital prescription services," Dermody said. "This legislation can protect them from this potentially life-threatening issue."

Dermody said without this legislative fix, about 8,000 senior citizens would lose their prescription drug coverage.

Dermody said Pennsylvania’s PACE and PACENET prescription programs offer income-qualifying seniors access to prescription medications for minimal cost. To be eligible for PACE, residents must be 65 or older, a Pennsylvania resident and have a total income of $14,500 or less ($17,700 or less for a married couple). To be eligible for PACENET, residents must be 65 or older, a Pennsylvania resident and have a total income between $14,500 and $23,500 ($17,700 to $31,500 for a married couple). 

Dermody's constituent office offers information, applications and assistance with the PACE and PACENET programs.

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