Pennsylvania House Extends Prescription Assistance Protection for Seniors

The Pennsylvania House has unanimously approved a bill aimed at extending the moratorium protecting thousands of senior citizens from being removed from the PACE and PACENET prescription drug assistance programs. This extension would run through December 31, 2027, ensuring that more than 22,000 seniors receiving a 2.5% Social Security cost of living adjustment remain eligible. PACE and PACENET provide income-based prescription drug coverage to over 250,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older, integrating benefits from Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, and veterans' programs.

Eligibility for these programs depends on income thresholds, with specific limits set for single individuals and married couples. The latest legislative action follows a previous extension in 2023, which also passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. That interim measure protected seniors from losing benefits due to an 8.7% Social Security increase, with the current sunset date set for December 31, 2025.

The bill's sponsors, Representatives Nikki Rivera and Shelby Labs, emphasize the importance of regularly reviewing the moratorium every two years. This allows for ongoing assessment of funding availability, which is primarily supported by proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. Maintaining eligibility thresholds ensures that seniors on fixed incomes, many reliant solely on Social Security, retain access to affordable prescription medications.

With the legislation now moving to the state Senate, stakeholders anticipate further consideration of this protective measure. The continuity of PACE and PACENET programs supports compliance with drug coverage requirements and addresses the economic challenges faced by aging populations. The bill's passage reflects bipartisan support and legislative recognition of the programs' value in preserving seniors' access to essential healthcare resources.

In summary, this legislative development highlights ongoing efforts within Pennsylvania to balance program sustainability with senior citizens' healthcare needs. The extension of the moratorium safeguards vulnerable populations from benefit loss tied to cost of living adjustments, reflecting broader trends in state-level healthcare policy regarding prescription drug affordability and senior care.