How to apply for PACE + PACENET — Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly

Who it's for

PACE/PACENET is Pennsylvania's state-only senior prescription drug program for residents age 65+ who have been PA residents at least 90 days. TWO tiers based on income: (1) PACE — annual income ≤$14,500 single / ≤$17,700 married couple — copays of $6 (generic) / $9 (brand); (2) PACENET — annual income ≤$45,000 single / ≤$55,000 married couple (raised 2026-07-01 from $33,500/$41,500) — deductible plan with copays above the deductible. PACE/PACENET works with Medicare Part D (PACE pays the premium; PACENET supplements out-of-pocket costs). NO ASSET TEST. When calculating income, Medicare Part B premiums are excluded. Apply at pacecares.primetherapeutics.com or by calling 800-225-7223.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 65+
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency at least 90 days
• Proof of all household income (excluding Medicare Part B premiums)
• Medicare Part D plan enrollment (or eligibility)
• Social Security card

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about PACE + PACENET — Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 65+, proof of Pennsylvania residency at least 90 days, proof of all household income (excluding Medicare Part B premiums) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the basic eligibility rules: you must be age 65 or older, have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 90 days, and fall within the income limits for either PACE or PACENET. There is NO asset test — savings and property are not counted.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of age (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Pennsylvania residency for at least 90 days, proof of all household income (note: Medicare Part B premiums are excluded from the income calculation), your Medicare Part D plan enrollment information or proof of eligibility, and your Social Security card.
3. Decide which tier likely fits your income. PACE covers single-person households with annual income at or below $14,500 (or $17,700 for married couples) and charges small copays per prescription. PACENET covers higher incomes — up to $45,000 for singles or $55,000 for married couples as of July 1, 2026 — and uses a deductible plan with copays above the deductible.
4. Apply online at the PACE/PACENET website or call 800-225-7223 to apply by phone. Both options are available to Pennsylvania residents.
5. Complete the application fully and submit all required documents. If applying by phone, a representative can guide you through each question and tell you how to send your documents.
6. Watch for a decision notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Processing times vary — ask the agency for an estimate when you apply.
7. Renew your enrollment every year to keep your benefits active. You will need to confirm your income and eligibility information at renewal time.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging will review your information and documents. Processing times vary, so ask the agency at 800-225-7223 for a current estimate when you apply. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your tier — PACE or PACENET — and details on how your prescription drug costs will be covered. Because enrollment must be renewed every year, watch for a renewal notice and respond promptly to avoid any gap in coverage. If your income is close to the PACENET ceiling, it is worth applying: the July 1, 2026 expansion raised the single-person income limit to $45,000, meaning many middle-income Pennsylvania seniors now qualify, and there is no asset test at either tier.

Renewals

annual