Samuelson and Thomas bill to raise PACENET prescription income limits approved by committee

HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 –Today the Pennsylvania House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee approved H.B.1260, legislation co-authored by state Reps. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, and Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks, to raise income limits by $6,000 for the PACENET prescription program.

The bill now awaits a full House vote.

“This bipartisan legislation expands access to prescription medications for our seniors by building upon the proven PACE/PACENET program and expanding eligibility,” Samuelson said.

The bill would increase enrollment for the state's Prescription Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier, known as PACENET, by about 20,000 and raise income limits to $33,500 for a single person and $41,500 for a married couple.

House Bill 1260 also would provide financial incentives for PACENET enrollees to also sign up for federal Medicare Part D prescription coverage. Monthly premiums for Medicare Part D, currently paid by the enrollees, would be covered by PACENET for Part D plans, which have premium agreements with the state.

Additional funds generated by increased participation in the federal prescription program would be utilized to raise the PACENET income limits.

In 2018, Samuelson co-authored legislation with Rep. Frank Farry, R-Bucks, which raised PACENET income limits by $4,000. These higher income limits, which were signed into law in October 2018, represented the first expansion of PACENET eligibility in 15 years.