PACE and PACENET: Prescription Help for Philadelphia Seniors
PACE and PACENET: Prescription Help for Philadelphia Seniors
Short answer: PACE and PACENET are Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for residents age 65 and older. They offer low-cost copays for medications based on your household income. You can apply online or get free help from Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
- PACE and PACENET lower prescription costs for eligible Pennsylvania residents age 65 and older.
- Income limits dictate which program you qualify for; a 2025 law raised PACENET limits starting July 1, 2026.
- Both programs work alongside Medicare Part D to reduce your out-of-pocket medication costs.
- Free application help is available in Philadelphia through PCA’s PA MEDI counselors.
- Home care aides provide medication reminders, but they cannot administer medications.
PACE vs PACENET
PACE and PACENET are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and run by the PA Department of Aging. Both programs help older adults afford their prescription medications by offering low copays. The program you qualify for depends entirely on your household income.
PACE serves older adults with lower incomes. PACENET serves those with slightly higher incomes and may require a premium if you do not have a Medicare Part D plan. The table below outlines the differences in income limits and copays for a 30-day supply of medication.
| Program | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Married) | Copays (30-day supply) | Premium Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PACE | Up to $14,500 | Up to $17,700 | $6 generic / $9 brand | — |
| PACENET | $14,501 to $33,500 | $17,701 to $41,500 | $8 generic / $15 brand | Premium applies if no Part D |
Note: The PACENET income limits shown above are valid through June 30, 2026.
Who Qualifies for PACE or PACENET
To qualify for either program, you must be at least 65 years old and a Pennsylvania resident. You must also be under the income limit for a single person or a married couple.
Income limits change over time. A 2025 law raised the PACENET limits starting July 1, 2026; check the current figures with the program when you apply. If you meet these age and income requirements, you might also qualify for local property tax relief programs designed for older Philadelphians.
How PACE and PACENET Work with Medicare Part D
PACE and PACENET work alongside your Medicare Part D plan. When you go to the pharmacy, your Medicare Part D plan and PACE or PACENET work together, and you pay the program copay ($6 to $15 per 30-day supply, depending on program and drug type).
If you qualify for PACENET but do not have a Medicare Part D plan, you will pay a monthly premium. This premium is equal to the regional benchmark. Understanding the differences between Medicare and Medicaid can help you see how these state and federal benefits interact to lower your healthcare costs.
Need help at home? New Century Home Care is a home care agency serving Philadelphia. We provide non-medical support, and eligible relatives can even get paid to care for you through the Medicaid Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver. This option excludes spouses, legal guardians, representative payees, or power of attorney holders. Call 215-974-0000 and choose the “I am a client” form on our site to learn more.
How to Apply and Get Free Help in Philadelphia
You can apply for PACE and PACENET directly online through the PACE application portal or by contacting the PA Department of Aging. The application asks for proof of age, residency, and income.
If you need assistance with your application, free help is available locally. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) provides Medicare help through its PA MEDI counselors. These counselors can answer questions about Medicare and prescription help programs like PACE and PACENET.
You can reach the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 to connect with a PA MEDI counselor. You can find more local support options in our complete Philadelphia senior resources guide.
Not the Same as LIFE (All-Inclusive Care)
It is easy to confuse the PACE pharmacy program with the national PACE model of care. In Pennsylvania, the national PACE model is called the Pennsylvania LIFE program (Living Independence for the Elderly).
The LIFE program is an all-inclusive care program for adults age 55 and older who are clinically eligible for a nursing facility, financially eligible for Medical Assistance, and able to live safely in the community. LIFE provides medical and social services, whereas the PACE/PACENET programs discussed here only provide prescription medication assistance.
Help Taking Medicines on Schedule at Home
Managing multiple prescriptions can be difficult. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having a doctor or pharmacist review all medicines regularly, as some can cause sleepiness or dizziness that increases fall risk.
If your loved one struggles to remember when to take their pills, personal care services can help. Non-medical home care aides can give medication reminders and prompt your loved one to take pills at the right time.
Non-medical aides do not administer medications, give injections or handle IVs. Those are skilled tasks for licensed nurses.
If you are looking for home care services in Philadelphia to assist with daily routines and medication reminders, contact New Century Home Care today. Call 215-974-0000 or fill out the “I am a client” form on our website to discuss your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for PACENET in PA?
Through June 30, 2026, the PACENET income limit is $33,500 for a single person and $41,500 for a married couple. A 2025 law raised the PACENET limits to $45,000 single and $55,000 married starting July 1, 2026; check the current figures when applying.
What does PACENET pay for?
PACENET helps pay for prescription medications. It offers low copays of $8 for generic drugs and $15 for brand-name drugs for a 30-day supply. It works alongside your Medicare Part D plan to reduce your out-of-pocket pharmacy costs.
How does PACENET work in PA for prescriptions?
When you fill a prescription, PACENET works alongside Medicare Part D, and you pay the PACENET copay. If you do not have Medicare Part D, you will pay a monthly premium equal to the regional benchmark to use PACENET.
What are the income limits for PACE for seniors?
The income limit for the PACE program is $14,500 for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple. If your income is above these limits, you may still qualify for PACENET, which has higher income thresholds.
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