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SB 731

An Act amending the act of August 26, 1971 (P.L.351, No.91), known as the State Lottery Law, in pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly, providing for short title of chapter and further providing for determination of eligibility and for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier ; and making an editorial change.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 14 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania modifies elderly prescription drug assistance (PACE) eligibility rules and administration to enhance program access for low-income seniors seeking affordable medications.

Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations
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Bill Summary · SB 731

Legislative bill overview

SB 731 amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to modify the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program, which provides prescription drug assistance to low-income seniors. The bill adjusts eligibility determination criteria and program administration while making technical and editorial updates to the existing statute.

Why is this important

Pennsylvania's PACE program serves approximately 160,000+ low-income elderly residents by subsidizing prescription drug costs. Changes to eligibility rules or program structure directly affect which seniors can access affordable medications and how quickly they can enroll, with implications for both beneficiaries' healthcare outcomes and state budgeting.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility threshold changes: The specific income or asset limits being modified are not detailed in the bill summary, making it unclear whether eligibility will expand (potentially increasing costs) or contract (potentially excluding current beneficiaries)
  • Funding implications: The bill's passage through Appropriations suggests budgetary impacts, but without knowing whether PACE funding increases, decreases, or stays flat, there's uncertainty about program sustainability
  • Implementation timeline: "Needs Enhancement" designation suggests the bill may still require refinement, potentially indicating unresolved operational or policy questions about how changes will be administered

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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