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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Chris King |
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King bill to continue Rx coverage for seniors passes unanimously in the House
HARRISBURG, May 6 – The House today unanimously passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Chris King, D-Bucks, to 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.
"I am pleased that my colleagues realized the importance of this bill," King said. "I urge swift passage in the Senate so that thousands of Pennsylvania seniors can continue to receive the prescription coverage they rely on through PACE and PACENET."
As of Jan. 1, senior citizens began receiving a 2.3 percent COLA in their Social Security benefits. King said without his 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.
King's proposal (H.B. 2345) would guarantee that seniors currently enrolled in PACE and PACENET would remain eligible, 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.
King said his proposal 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 a vote.
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CONTACT: Ashley Conjar
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