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HARRISBURG, February 3, 2005 - Even with last year’s historic
expansion of prescription drug assistance for Pennsylvania’s seniors,
the state Department of Aging is still working to improve enrollment
through outreach efforts and streamlining the renewal process, according
to state Sen. J. Barry Stout.
“The PACE/PACENET program added approximately 70,000 new enrollees last
year, and we won’t rest until all eligible Pennsylvanians take advantage
of these benefits,” said Stout
(D-Greene/Washington/Allegheny/Beaver/Westmoreland).
Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging will partner with the Foundation to
Benefit Our Seniors (FBOS), a non-profit organization that reaches out
to older Pennsylvanians and assists them in applying for benefits. The
BenefitsCheckUp Pennsylvania Outreach Initiative will be focused on
finding new enrollees.
In addition, the department is simplifying the renewal application
process for PACE/PACENET. Approximately 20 percent of PACE/PACENET
recipients lose their benefits when they do not return their renewal
applications. This year, the department will pre-print these renewal
applications with income information, which seniors can correct if
necessary.
The PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) program
began in 1984 and expanded with PACENET in 1996. In November 2003, the
legislature passed new eligibility guidelines that further augmented the
program. Income limits for PACE and PACENET were set at the following
levels:
· PACE Single - $14,500
· PACE Couple - $17,700
· PACENET Single - $23,500
· PACENET Couple - $31,500
Those interested in PACE or PACENET can find additional information at
www.senatorstout.com or can contact Stout’s district office at
724-225-5400.
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