Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

May 1, 2025

Protecting Seniors’ Access to Prescription Drug Assistance

Getting older is full of ups and downs. Many get the chance to see their families grow with grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren. After long careers, folks get the chance to retire, opening up their schedule to spend more time with loved ones, travel or pick up a new hobby.

But there are downsides, too. Unfortunately, health issues tend to pop up. People with perfect vision start to require reading glasses. Hearing may start to get fuzzy. Some will develop chronic conditions, requiring frequent medical visits.

Typically, as our age increases, so does our reliance on prescriptions. But these prescriptions can be incredibly expensive. It’s hard enough to afford some of these drugs while working, but on a fixed income, it can seem almost impossible.

That’s why I’m proud to support House Bill 923. This bill would help more low-income seniors maintain access to prescription drug assistance through the PACE and PACENET programs. Specifically, House Bill 923 places a “moratorium” on the inclusion of income from a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in determining eligibility for the programs.

While lots of people welcome Social Security cost-of-living adjustments to their income, COLA increases usually result in some folks losing their eligibility. Act 62 of 2023 resulted in allowing about 20,000 PACE and PACENET cardholders to remain enrolled in those programs that they otherwise would have been ineligible for due to COLA increases. The COLA moratorium under Act 62 is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

The Social Security COLA for 2025 is 2.5%. Without extending the moratorium, more than 10,000 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, more than 12,500 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. House Bill 923 would extend the current Social Security COLA moratorium until Dec. 31, 2027. 

This bill passed unanimously from the House, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

If you’re unfamiliar with PACE and PACENET, these programs are available to residents ages 65 and older. The annual income limit for PACE recipients is $14,500 or less for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple. The annual income limit for PACENET is between $14,501 and $33,500 for a single person and between $17,701 and $41,500 for a married couple.

More information on eligibility can be found at pa.gov/agencies/aging. If you qualify, my office can help you navigate the application process.

As I said, getting older is full of ups and downs. If we can pass this legislation, I think a lot of people will get to have fewer downs, and hopefully, a lot more ups.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Still Looking to Get REAL ID? – The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is less than two weeks away. It’s important to remember:

• REAL ID is NOT mandatory in Pennsylvania, though you will need another federally accepted form of identification to meet the requirements of the law in certain circumstances.

• May 7 is the date enforcement of the law begins, but you may obtain a REAL ID anytime after May 7 as well.

As of May 7, federal law will require you to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.

For more information, including a checklist of documentation needed to obtain REAL ID, visit penndot.gov/REALID.

Shredding Event Planned – Do you have files that need to be destroyed? Bring them to my Mobile Shredding Event, Wednesday, May 21, at the Washinton Township/Export District Office, Donal Plaza, 105 Pfeffer Road, Suite 5, in Export, from 4-6 p.m. We have partnered with the Westmoreland Food Bank to merge this event with a food drive to help local families. Consider bringing an optional donation of a non-perishable food item in a non-glass container.

Senior Expo Scheduled – Join Sen. Joe Pittman, Rep. Abby Major and me on Thursday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a Senior Expo hosted at the Lower Burrell VFW Post 92. We’re bringing together experts and resources to help seniors thrive. Come explore information on: 

   • Health care and health screenings. 
   • Nutrition and exercise. 
   • Fire and personal safety. 
   • Financial planning and government savings programs. 

Don’t miss this free and informative event designed to support your well-being and independence.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper