House Committee Approves Nelson Bill to Protect Seniors’ Prescription Drug Assistance Eligibility
HARRISBURG – The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee this week reported out legislation, sponsored by Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Hempfield), to prevent seniors from losing their eligibility for state prescription drug assistance due to a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
“While Social Security COLAs are appreciated, this slight increase in income can result in seniors losing their prescription drug assistance,” Nelson said. “Seniors should not have to choose between life-saving medications and other basic needs. About 13,000 Pennsylvania seniors will face this quandary at the end of the year if nothing is done.”
The state’s PACE and PACENET programs provide prescription drug assistance to about 300,000 Pennsylvania seniors. A 2015 state law allowed seniors previously eligible to not lose their PACE and PACENET benefits due to a Social Security COLA. However, this law sunsets in December. Under
House Bill 425, the COLA moratorium would be extended through Dec. 31, 2019.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
The 57th Legislative District includes the following Westmoreland County communities: the city of Greensburg; the townships of Hempfield (part) and Salem; and the boroughs of Delmont, Hunker, New Stanton, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg and Youngwood.
Representative Eric Nelson
57th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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