Burns urges seniors to apply for newly expanded prescription program

Legislator voted to extend program last year to more than 100,000 seniors

EBENSBURG, Feb. 23 – With inflation increasing the price of seemingly everything, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is urging seniors to apply today for a newly expanded state program that helps folks on fixed incomes with the cost of prescription drugs.

“Whether it’s introducing legislation to send the state’s surplus back to the taxpayers or voting to expand this prescription drug program for seniors, I’ve always put the people first -- even when doing so has gotten me into trouble with the powers-that-be in Harrisburg,” Burns said. “I know how hard it is for seniors on fixed incomes to make ends meet, so I’m urging our older neighbors to check out this newly expanded program today to see if they qualify.”

The law, which passed the state House in October, expands the PACENET income limits by $6,000:
      • Singles: from $27,500 to $33,500.
      • Married: from $35,500 to $41,500.

The PACE program offers comprehensive prescription coverage and currently has more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians enrolled. The expanded income limits allow an estimated additional 100,000 older adults to now become eligible to sign up for the program with enrollment beginning this month.

The PACE program – funded with revenue from the Pennsylvania Lottery – began July 1, 1984 to provide comprehensive reimbursement coverage for prescription medications to qualified older Pennsylvanians. The program serves Pennsylvanians 65 and older, many of whom require multiple medications for several chronic conditions.

Learn more about the PACE/PACENET program along with other programs and services for older adults by visiting the Department of Aging’s website.