Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs passes PA Senate

Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney    October 23, 2024 | 10:58 AM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that would exclude a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania passed the state Senate yesterday.

Abney’s legislation (H.B. 2378) would 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.

“Keeping prescription coverage in place for our seniors not only ensures they continue to receive the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being, but excluding savings bond assets will keep more money in their pockets for other necessities,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate and everyone for their personal and financial investments in older Pennsylvanians.”

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

Abney’s bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.

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