Pennsylvania PACE/PACENET Prescription Assistance
Pennsylvania is one of a small number of states that still runs its own prescription assistance program for seniors, on top of Medicare Part D.
Pennsylvania residents 65+ who meet an income limit and aren't covered by Medicaid's drug benefit can get help paying for prescriptions through PACE or PACENET — no asset test required.
Most states no longer run a dedicated State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) — only a handful still do, largely because Medicare Part D, especially after the Inflation Reduction Act's reforms, now covers much of what these programs used to fill in. Pennsylvania's PACE and PACENET are among the longest-running and best-established SPAPs still operating.
What PACE and PACENET Cover
PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly) and PACENET are two tiers of the same underlying program, split by income level. Both help cover the cost of prescription drugs for Pennsylvania seniors, working alongside — not instead of — Medicare Part D, to reduce what you pay out of pocket at the pharmacy counter.
Who Qualifies
To qualify, you generally need to be a Pennsylvania resident who:
- Is 65 years of age or older
- Has lived in Pennsylvania for at least 90 days
- Is not enrolled in Medicaid's prescription drug benefit
- Meets an income limit based on the prior year's income (there is no asset or resource test)
PACENET generally serves applicants at a somewhat higher income level than PACE, with a higher copay in exchange — but the application process for both runs through the same office.
How to Apply
Applications are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. For the current income limits and to start an application, visit the official program page.
Apply on pa.gov →Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for PACE/PACENET in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania residents 65 or older who have lived in the state at least 90 days, aren't covered by Medicaid's prescription drug benefit, and meet an income limit based on the prior year's income. There is no asset test.
What's the difference between PACE and PACENET?
PACE and PACENET are Pennsylvania's two tiers of the same prescription assistance program, split by income level, with PACENET generally serving slightly higher earners at a higher copay than PACE. Both are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Does PACE/PACENET replace Medicare Part D?
No. PACE/PACENET works alongside Medicare Part D to help cover costs Part D leaves behind, such as premiums, deductibles, and the coverage gap, rather than replacing Part D coverage entirely.
Illustrative summary — verify exact current income limits and copay amounts with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging before relying on this page for an application decision. This site is not affiliated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.