Understanding Pennsylvania’s PACE & PACENET Programs: Help With Prescription Drug Costs
Understanding Pennsylvania’s PACE & PACENET Programs: Help With Prescription Drug Costs
Prescription drug costs can add up quickly for Medicare beneficiaries. Fortunately, Pennsylvania offers two valuable programs, PACE and PACENET, that help eligible seniors lower out-of-pocket medication expenses.
If you live in Pennsylvania and have Medicare, these programs may provide significant savings.
What Are PACE and PACENET?
PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) and PACENET are Pennsylvania state programs that help seniors afford prescription medications.
These programs:
- Work alongside Medicare Part D
- Reduce copays for covered prescriptions
- Offer predictable drug costs
- Are available only to Pennsylvania residents
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan
- Meet annual income guidelines
Assets such as savings, home value, or vehicles do not count toward eligibility.
PACE vs. PACENET: What’s the Difference?
Both programs lower prescription drug costs, but they serve different income levels.
PACE
- For lower-income seniors
- Very low copays
- No deductible
- No monthly premium
PACENET
- For slightly higher-income seniors
- Requires a Part D plan
- Has a deductible
- Copays are still much lower than Part D alone
How These Programs Work With Medicare Part D
PACE and PACENET are not standalone drug plans. Instead, they wrap around Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part D processes the claim first, and then PACE or PACENET helps cover remaining costs, leaving you with a much smaller copay at the pharmacy.
What Medications Are Covered?
Most medications covered by Medicare Part D are also covered by PACE and PACENET, including both brand-name and generic drugs.
These programs are especially helpful for seniors who take multiple prescriptions or manage chronic conditions.
Why PACE and PACENET Matter
PACE and PACENET can help:
- Lower yearly prescription drug costs
- Protect against rising medication prices
- Make budgeting easier with predictable copays
Many eligible seniors never apply simply because they don’t know these programs exist.
How to Apply
Applying is free and straightforward. You can:
- Apply online through Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging
- Submit a paper application
- Get help from a licensed Medicare agent
Once approved, savings often begin quickly.
Final Thoughts
PACE and PACENET are powerful tools for Pennsylvania seniors who struggle with prescription drug costs. If you think you may qualify, it’s worth reviewing your Medicare Part D plan and exploring these programs.
A free Medicare review can help confirm eligibility and ensure you’re getting the most from your coverage.
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