HARRISBURG -- Legislation authored by Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) that would update Pennsylvania's prescription drug assistance program to work with the federal Medicare prescription drug program has gone to the Governor after the General Assembly approved it.

Senate Bill 1188 would restructure PACE and PACENET programs to coordinate benefits with the federal Medicare prescription drug program.

"As a leader in providing low-income seniors with prescription drug coverage for more than two decades, it is vital Pennsylvania continues its leadership role and maintains the same important benefits for years to come," Vance said.

"This legislation will assist in having the PACE/PACENET program work seamlessly with the Medicare Part D program so that beneficiaries notice no changes."

Vance's legislation will supplement the benefits available under Medicare Part D by: 

• providing coverage for prescription drugs not covered by Medicare Part D plans;

• paying for prescription drugs purchased in the deductible phase and donut hole of Medicare Part D;

• covering the cost of Medicare Part D premiums for PACE enrollees;

• covering the difference between co-payments charged by Medicare Part D and current PACE/PACENET co-payments;

• eliminating the PACENET $40 a month deductible and replacing it with a Medicare Part D premium that is less than or equal to the regional benchmark premium;

• authorizing the Commonwealth to recommend the most appropriate Medicare Part D plan to PACE/PACENET recipients;

• assisting PACE/PACENET recipients in identifying if they are eligible for the Medicare low income subsidy.

The governor has 10 days to consider the bill.

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.