Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law a legislation that expands prescription drug coverage for seniors across the state.

House Bill 270, now Act 87 of 2018 increases the maximum income limits in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) program. As a result, additional 17,000 seniors will be able to participate in the program.

PACENET program allows qualified elderly Pennsylvanian to prescription drugs at lower prices. It is considered as one of the best prescription drug assistance programs in the nation.

Under the legislation, the PACENET program’s annual maximum income limit is $27,500 for a single person and $35,500 for married Pennsylvanians. An increase of $4,000 from the previous maximum income limits for single and married couples.

Ensuring access to health care services for older Pennsylvanians

In a statement on Tuesday, Wolf said his administration’s priority is to ensure “access to necessary health care services, including prescription drugs” for older Pennsylvanians.

Additionally, the governor stated, “This income eligibility increase was long overdue and will go a long way in helping thousands of seniors access their prescription medications more economically and conveniently. I commend the legislature for working with my administration on this critical issue and passing this legislation.”

On the other hand, Pennsylvania Rep.Frank Farry, the author of bill, commented, “The income limits haven’t changed in 14 years. That’s quite a long time both for seniors who are currently in the program and risk of disqualification due to a change in income.”

The income eligibility increase ensures that almost 3,000 elderly Pennsylvanians will continue to benefit from the PACENET program.

Meanwhile, the state’s Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne, said, “No senior should have to choose between paying their bills, buying groceries, or purchasing the medications they need.”

In addition, Osborne said, House Bill 270 shows that Pennsylvania is making progress in its commitment to ensuring that elderly Pennsylvanians can age healthy with dignity and respect they deserve.