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Bill > SB731
PA SB731
In pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly, providing for short title of chapter and further providing for determination of eligibility; and making an editorial change.
summary
Introduced
05/05/2025
05/05/2025
In Committee
05/12/2025
05/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of August 26, 1971 (P.L.351, No.91), entitled "An act providing for a State Lottery and administration thereof; authorizing the creation of a State Lottery Commission; prescribing its powers and duties; disposition of funds; violations and penalties therefor; exemption of prizes from State and local taxation and making an appropriation," in pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly, providing for short title of chapter and further providing for determination of eligibility; and making an editorial change.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to update provisions related to pharmaceutical assistance for elderly residents, specifically the PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) and PACENET programs. The bill renames the chapter to the "Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Act" and extends eligibility protections for program participants whose income might otherwise disqualify them due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Under the new provisions, individuals enrolled in PACE or PACENET as of December 31, 2024, can continue to receive benefits even if their income slightly exceeds the program's maximum limits, but only if the income increase is solely due to a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. These extended eligibility protections will remain in effect until December 31, 2027. The bill also reaffirms the legislative finding that many elderly citizens on fixed incomes struggle to afford life-sustaining prescription drugs, and the state has a responsibility to provide limited pharmaceutical assistance to help address this challenge. The changes aim to provide continued support and stability for elderly residents who rely on these pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (13)
Frank Farry (R)*,
Lisa Baker (R),
Maria Collett (D),
Jay Costa (D),
Wayne Fontana (D),
Art Haywood (D),
Vincent Hughes (D),
John Kane (D),
Wayne Langerholc (R),
Steve Santarsiero (D),
Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R),
Judy Schwank (D),
Judy Ward (R),
Last Action
Re-reported as committed (on 05/12/2025)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=731 |
| Senate Fiscal Note PN 0749 | https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2025/0/SB0731P0749.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2025&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0731&pn=0749 |
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