HARRISBURG, PA — A bill designed to prevent thousands of older Pennsylvanians from losing access to affordable prescription medications is on its way to becoming law, following bipartisan approval in both chambers of the General Assembly.
The legislation, House Bill 923, introduced by Rep. Nikki Rivera of Lancaster, extends a key protection for seniors enrolled in the state’s PACE and PACENET programs. Under current rules, older adults can lose eligibility if their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment pushes them above income limits. The existing safeguard preventing this loss of benefits expires on December 31, 2025. Rivera’s bill extends that protection through the end of 2027.
According to Rivera, the stakes are significant. With a projected Social Security COLA of 2.5% next year, more than 10,000 PACENET participants would lose eligibility without the extension. Another 12,594 PACE enrollees would be pushed into the PACENET program, resulting in higher copays and the loss of PACE-paid Medicare Part D premium assistance.
Rivera said the measure ensures seniors will not be penalized for routine adjustments meant to keep pace with inflation. She emphasized that PACE and PACENET remain essential for preventing medical debt and helping older adults afford vital prescriptions.
After clearing the House and Senate, the bill is now headed to Governor Josh Shapiro for his signature.
Rivera encouraged Lancaster-area residents age 65 and older who need prescription assistance to contact her district office for help enrolling in PACE or PACENET.
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