WOZNIAK URGES SENIORS TO APPLY EARLY FOR EXPANDED PACE PROGRAM

HARRISBURG, December 5, 2003 -- Although the new law won’t go into effect until Jan. 1, state Sen. John N. Wozniak is urging seniors to apply now for the newly expanded PACE prescription drug program.

 “If seniors send in their PACE applications today, they will be able to take full advantage of the program’s benefits at the start of the New Year,” Wozniak said.

The new PACE and PACENET income eligibility guidelines will allow as many as 100,000 new senior citizens to purchase their medications through the low-cost prescription plan.

            Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging is allowing seniors who will now qualify to use the 2003 PACE application and 2002 income information to get their cards as soon as possible so they can begin using them on Jan. 1.

            “We don’t want to delay prescription coverage for any eligible senior,” Wozniak said. “No one should have to wait.”  

The income limits for PACE and PACENET were raised to the following:

·    PACE Single - $14,500
·    PACE Couple -  $17,700
·     PACENET Single - $23,500
·     PACENET Couple - $31,500

     Anyone falling within these income limits can pick up a PACE application from Wozniak’s district office at 2307 Bedford St. in Johnstown, or call 814-266-2277 to have one mailed.

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