Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House

Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    November 12, 2025 | 3:56 PM

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The Senate version of state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill to make sure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs (H.B. 923) due to Social Security cost-of-living-increases unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Senate Bill 731, which was introduced in the PA House by Rivera and state Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks), would shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET prescription eligibility due to their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. This protection currently is in place until Dec. 31, 2025. Senate Bill 731 would extend it for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027.

According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Not extending the moratorium would result in 10,039 PACENET enrollees losing their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would be moved to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium.

“I am very glad that the Senate version of the bill passed the House today because these programs—PACE and PACENET—are true lifesavers,” Rivera said. “Thanks to them, a quarter of a million Pennsylvania seniors, many of whom require multiple medications to treat different chronic conditions, can purchase life-saving medications without having to go into medical debt or, even worse, decide they must give up treatment.

“Unfortunately, there’s a problem maintaining eligibility when Social Security cost-of-living increases go up, leaving over 20,000 seniors no longer qualifying for their prescription plans. 

“I am very proud that a version of my bill to protect PACE/PACENET eligibility for seniors passed the House today,” Rivera said. “Supporting our seniors is an issue we can all get behind.”

The bill now heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote.

Lancaster area seniors who are 65 or older and who need help paying for their prescriptions are encouraged to contact Rivera’s office to learn more about PACE and PACENET. Her office is located at 1560 Lititz Pike, Suite 2, Lancaster, PA, 17601-6523, and can be reached by phone at 717-295-3157.