Pennsylvania PACE/PACENET Prescription Assistance
PACE and PACENET help Pennsylvania residents 65 and older pay for prescriptions. They are two tiers of one program, and your income decides which tier you get.
Pennsylvania residents 65 or older qualify for PACE with income last year of $14,500 or less if single, or $17,700 or less if married. Above that, PACENET covers single people up to $33,500 and married couples up to $41,500. There is no asset test, and one application covers both.
PACE and PACENET Income Limits
The limits are based on your gross income for the previous calendar year, not this year's.
| PACE | PACENET | |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $14,500 or less | $14,501 to $33,500 |
| Married | $17,700 or less | $17,701 to $41,500 |
PACE stands for Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly. PACENET is the tier for people whose income is over the PACE limit. Both are paid for by the Pennsylvania Lottery and run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
PACENET members pay more per prescription than PACE members. The program publishes the current copay for each tier, so ask for it when you apply or check the program site.
Who Qualifies
- You are 65 or older.
- You have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 90 days before the date you apply.
- Your gross income last year was within the PACE or PACENET limit.
- You are not enrolled in the Medicaid prescription benefit.
Savings, your home and other assets are not counted. Only income is.
How It Works With Medicare Part D
PACE and PACENET work with Medicare Part D plans and with other prescription drug plans. Your other coverage pays first, and the program lowers what is left for you to pay at the pharmacy.
If your income is within the PACE range, check the federal Extra Help program as well. It lowers Part D premiums and copays and has its own income and resource limits.
If Your Income Is Too High, or You Are Under 65
The same office runs the PACE Clearinghouse for adults 18 and older who cannot get PACE or PACENET. It helps with prescription costs and can point you to other help, such as food, housing and job services. Call the same number and ask for the Clearinghouse.
How to Apply
There are four ways to apply.
- Online: pacecares.primetherapeutics.com
- Phone: 1-800-225-7223
- Mail: PO Box 8806, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8806
- Fax or email: 1-888-656-0372, or papace@primetherapeutics.com
Have last year's income figures to hand, since that is what the limit is measured against.
Go to PACE on pa.govFrequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for PACE and PACENET?
PACE: $14,500 or less if single, $17,700 or less if married. PACENET: $14,501 to $33,500 if single, $17,701 to $41,500 if married. The limits are measured against your gross income for the previous year.
What is the difference between PACE and PACENET?
They are two tiers of the same Pennsylvania program. PACE is for lower incomes. PACENET is for incomes above the PACE limit, and its members pay more per prescription. One application covers both.
Is there an asset test for PACE?
No. Only your gross income for the previous year is counted.
Do I have to live in Pennsylvania for a certain time?
Yes. You must have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days before the date you apply.
Does PACE replace Medicare Part D?
No. PACE and PACENET work with Medicare Part D plans and other prescription drug plans to lower what you pay out of pocket.
Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Apply for PACE, checked October 11, 2026. We could not confirm the current copay amounts from the official site on that date, so this page does not list them. Confirm your eligibility and copays with the program before you rely on this page. This site is not affiliated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.