They say that government always has one hand in your wallet.  Well in this case, it’s true.   Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging is trying to recover PACE costs by attempting to capture the $250 rebate checks Medicare Part D recipients receive from the federal government as part of the Affordable Care Act, recently passed by Congress.              

One Pennsylvania legislator is standing up for seniors.  State Senator Bob Mensch recently introduced Senate Bill 1437 that would block the Department of Aging from doing so.  The legislation would require the Department of Aging to receive legislative authorization before entering into any agreements that would create a restrictive drug list for PACE participants.

“Some states are making plans to reduce state pharmacy assistance benefits for seniors who are expected to receive $250 rebate checks as part of a federal initiative to reduce gaps in coverage under Medicare Part D,” Senator Mensch said.  “The checks are intended to close the coverage gap many Medicare plans have when seniors must pay all prescription costs out-of-pocket.   Senate Bill 1437 would prohibit the Department from taking or attempting to take the rebate checks from recipients.”

 PACE and PACENET offer comprehensive prescription coverage to older Pennsylvanians and covers most prescription medications, including insulin, syringes and insulin needles.  There is no application fee to enroll in the program. To qualify for PACE, you must be 65 years of age or older, a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application, and you cannot be enrolled in the Department of Public Welfare’s Medicaid prescription benefit.    Eligibility is also determined by your previous calendar year’s income.  For a single person, your total income must be $14,500 or less.  For a married couple, your combined total income must be $17,700 or less. 

Once you are enrolled in the PACE program, a benefit card will be sent to you, and you will pay no more than $6 for each generic prescription medication and no more than $9 for each brand name prescription at your pharmacy.  These copayments are based on a 30-day supply.

Pennsylvania State Senator Bob Mensch was elected to represent the constituents of the 24th District (including parts of Montgomery, Bucks, Northampton and Lehigh Counties) in September 2009, bringing to the state Senate more than 35 years of business and management experience, coupled with political leadership and public service.

Bob’s top legislative priority is ensuring the Commonwealth has economic development and tax policies that promote economic expansion and job creation and make Pennsylvania the place where business and industry want to be and individuals want to live.

Senator Mensch can be reached via email at bmensch@pasen.gov or by calling his district office at 215-529-1215.  Residents are encouraged to visit the Senator’s website at www.senatormensch.com for updated information on legislation, programs and services and important state news.

Montgomery County Pennsylvania

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PA Senator Robert Mensch - Pennsylvania State Senate - 24th District

Senator Robert Mensch - Pennsylvania State Senate, 24th District

Harrisburg Office
172 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3024
Phone (717) 787-3110
FAX (717) 787-8004

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312 W Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone (215) 529-1215
FAX (215) 529-1218

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Lansdale, PA 19446-2007
Phone (215) 368-1500
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Emmaus, PA 18049
Phone (610) 965-1466
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Easton, PA 18042
Phone (610) 250-5624
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Allentown, PA 18101
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