HispanicBusiness

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower today announced an effort to increase awareness of the PACE and PACENET programs among the state's Latino population, which is Pennsylvania's fastest-growing ethnic group. PACE and PACENET are the Commonwealth's prescription drug benefit programs for older residents.

"We encourage every eligible older Pennsylvanian to enroll in PACE and PACENET, but we are concerned some members of the Latino community may not be getting our message," said Secretary Dowd Eisenhower. "We are working with the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and local partners to ensure that every citizen knows about these important prescription assistance programs.

"Consumers may learn more about PACE and PACENET on our Web site, http://www.aging.state.pa.us/, which includes a downloadable Spanish-language application form," Dowd Eisenhower said. "Spanish-speaking citizens may also contact our toll-free cardholder services line, 1-800-225-7223."

As part of the expanded outreach effort, the Department of Aging is distributing Spanish-language materials that may be used by local organizations to increase awareness of PACE and PACENET. These materials are being made available to groups across the Commonwealth.

According to 2000 Census data, Pennsylvania's Latino population increased by nearly 70 percent from 1990 to total more than 394,000 citizens. During the same period, the Commonwealth's overall population increased by only 3.3 percent. The counties with the highest Latino population are Philadelphia, Berks, Lehigh, Lancaster, Northampton, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, York, Allegheny, Dauphin and Monroe.

The Department of Aging estimates that more than 7,600 Latino citizens are eligible for PACE and PACENET, but only 1,556 are currently enrolled - which represents about 20 percent of Latinos eligible for benefits. Overall, more than 240,000 individuals of all ethnic backgrounds currently are enrolled in the programs.

The Department of Aging administers the PACE and PACENET programs, which are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery. The programs allow older citizens with low to moderate incomes to obtain prescription medications at a reduced cost.

Under guidelines recently enacted by Gov. Edward G. Rendell, the income limit for PACE eligibility is set at $14,500 for individuals and $17,700 for married couples. The income limit for PACENET is $23,500 for individuals and $31,500 for couples. PACENET pays benefits after the first $40 a month of prescription costs.

More information about PACE and PACENET is available on the Internet at the Department's Website, http://www.aging.state.pa.us/. On-line enrollment is available. Consumers also may contact PACE and PACENET cardholder services toll-free at 1-800-225-7223.

CONTACT: Gary Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, +1-717-783-1549. Pennsylvania Department of Aging

CONTACT: Gary Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, +1-717-783-1549

Web site: http://www.aging.state.pa.us/http://www.state.pa.us/