Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs ceremonially signed into law

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs ceremonially signed into law

Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney    March 26, 2025 | 9:50 AM

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that excludes a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol today.

Act 118 of 2024, formerly H.B. 2378, went into effect October 2024 and does not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of older Pennsylvanians’ income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET.

“Older Pennsylvanians need to stay connected to the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Excluding savings bond earnings also allows them to get the most out of such a proactive investment by keeping more money in their pockets,” said Abney, D-Allegheny. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all other stakeholders for helping to support PA’s seniors through my legislation.”

PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million Pennsylvania seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians.

Act 118 of 2024 is Abney’s first bill as a state representative to become law.