New Pa. law targets seniors, drug benefits

HARRISBURG (AP) -- Several new laws signed recently by Pennsylvania Gov. Mark S. Schweiker either took effect when he signed them or become law shortly into the new year, including a provision that spares thousands of senior citizens from losing prescription-drug benefits.
Among the new laws is a measure that would prevent the seniors from losing prescription-drug benefits under the state's Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly, known as PACE, and the related PACENET program as a result of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment that goes into effect next year.
Without an exemption, the increase would push the incomes of at least 7,200 seniors above the eligibility limits for PACE and PACENET.
"The members of the Legislature felt that the Social Security cost-of-living increase should not ... stop anybody from getting these benefits," said Steve Miskin, a spokesman for Rep. John M. Perzel, the House majority leader.
Also in effect is a law Schweiker signed that proponents say is meant to give new protections to religious groups but which critics say gives the groups room to ignore many laws.
The measure allows laws that burden a person's religious practice or belief to be overturned in court if the state lacks a compelling interest in passing the laws. Any law would also have to be as least restrictive as possible.