HARRISBURG – December 11, 2023 − The state House today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Sen. Maria Collett (D-12) that would ensure older Pennsylvanians do not lose access to two state prescription medication programs due to an increase in their Social Security payments.
“With the passage of this legislation, senior citizens will not go into 2024 worrying about losing access to critical prescription medication coverage because of an increase in their Social Security payments,” Ward said. “I am hopeful for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s quick consideration and signature of this vital legislation.”
The PACE and PACENET programs provide comprehensive prescription coverage to Pennsylvanians age 65 or older. Senate Bill 607 would prevent PACE and PACENET participants from losing their benefits due to a Social Security cost-of-living increase.
“The PACE and PACENET programs make it possible for hundreds of thousands of older Pennsylvanians to afford their medications, and SB 607 will ensure these folks aren’t disqualified due to annual Social Security adjustments,” said Senator Collett. “I have been proud to work with my fellow nurse in the Senate to advance this commonsense legislation, and I’m grateful to our partners in the House for sending it to the Governor’s desk.”
La elegibilidad para los programas se rige por los límites de ingresos. PACE está disponible para los mayores solteros de Pensilvania que ganen 14.500 $ o menos, o para los matrimonios que ganen 17.700 $ o menos. PACENET está disponible para los individuos que ganan entre 14.500 $ y 33.500 $ o parejas casadas que ganan entre 17.700 $ y 41.500 $.
Pennsylvanians en la Seguridad Social recibió un aumento del costo de vida del 8,7% en sus beneficios para 2023. Algunos participantes de PACE y PACENET podrían perder su elegibilidad si el proyecto de ley 607 del Senado no se convierte en ley.
Senate Bill 607 now heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
Residents can follow Sen. Collett on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @SenatorCollett for the latest news from the 12th Senate District and Harrisburg. Contact information for her district and Harrisburg offices can be found on her website at SenatorCollett.com, and constituents can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorCollett.com/subscribe.