Robbins: Senate Approves Legislation Coordinating State and Federal Prescription Programs

Harrisburg – The state Senate unanimously passed legislation last week that would update Pennsylvania's prescription drug assistance programs to work with the federal Medicare prescription drug program, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Under Senate Bill 1188, the state PACE and PACENET programs would supplement the benefits available under the new federal Medicare Part D program. In addition, this legislation would :

Authorize the state to assist recipients in signing up for the most appropriate Medicare plan.
Coordinate benefits so enrollees in PACE/PACENET and Medicare continue to fill their prescriptions at pharmacies without additional cost, delay or paperwork.
Shift to the federal program some costs that have typically been incurred by the state program.
Pay Medicare Part D premiums for PACE enrollees.
Eliminate the PACENET deductible.
Provide coverage for Part D co-payments in excess of the current PACE/PACENET amount.

"This legislation, in essence, would 'wrap around' the federal program, thus ensuring that seniors do not lose out on any of the benefits PACE and PACENET currently afford them," said Sen. Robbins. "In addition, the state will save approximately $140 million in the coming year by integrating these programs."

Senate Bill 1188 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322