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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tim Seip |
  
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Seip votes to protect seniors from losing PACE/PACENET coverage
HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. Tim Seip voted Tuesday for a bill that would ensure that senior citizens enrolled in Pennsylvania's PACE and PACENET programs do not lose their prescription drug coverage because of this year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. The House passed the bill unanimously.
"I was proud to vote for this bill that would protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing their prescription coverage they rely on through PACE and PACENET. I hope the Senate will soon pass this so it can go to the governor and be signed into law," Seip said.
As of Jan. 1, senior citizens began receiving a 2.3 percent COLA in their Social Security benefits. Seip said without the legislation, the relatively small increase would bump some seniors just above the income limits for PACE and PACENET, jeopardizing their access to vital prescription coverage.
The bill (H.B. 2345) would guarantee that seniors currently enrolled in PACE and PACENET would remain eligible through the end of 2010, regardless of whether the Social Security COLA pushes their income above eligibility limits for the programs. The bill would help about 15,000 Pennsylvania seniors keep their prescription coverage.
Seip said the bill is backed by PACE/PACENET officials and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, which confirmed that there is enough money in the lottery fund to continue to provide benefits to all seniors who are currently enrolled.
The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Seip also reminded area residents that June 30 is the deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which helps seniors 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities who are 18 or older. Residents may call Seip's offices for help applying for the program: Pottsville, 570- 624-3145; Tilden Township, 610- 562-8435; Hegins, 570-682-8747; or toll free, 866- 299-0277.
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