UPDATE ON PACE APPLICATION PROCESS

Harrisburg, Dec. 9, 2003 – State Sen. Connie Williams has long advocated the expansion of the state’s prescription drug program and with the governor’s signature last month, more seniors will qualify as of Jan. 1, 2004.

“Even if you never qualified for PACENET in the past, you may for the first time this year, so I encourage people to look into the program and apply,” Williams said. “By the same token, people who qualified for PACENET, may now qualify for PACE.”

At present and until new application forms arrive from the printer, the state Department of Aging is using the 2003 PACE forms. These will be used until March 31, 2004. Additionally, in anticipation of people not having access to income statements until close to April 15, a provision in the new law allows applicants to use their 2002 income information to qualify for PACE/PACENET, until March 31, 2004.

The new law increases income limits so that seniors who earn up to $14,500 are eligible for benefits under the PACE program and if they are married, can earn up to $17,700 and still qualify for PACE. The PACE program carries no monthly deductible and lower co-payments. For seniors whose earnings exceed the PACE limits, there is another tier of coverage – PACENET. PACENET is available to seniors who earn up to $23,500 if they are single or up to $31,500 if they are married.

Additionally, the law lowers the PACENET $500 annual deductible to $40 a month. As of Jan. 1, 2004, seniors need only meet the first $40 per month in prescription drug fees before they are eligible to participate in the program.

Constituents may contact either of Williams’ offices for more information on how to apply by calling either (610) 992-9790 or (610) 853-5433.