On November 21, 2003, Senator Jon Corzine espoused the virtues of the bill in a Star Ledger article saying "New Jersey could save an estimated $260 million a year. This money could be used to offer the more generous state benefit to greater numbers of New Jersey's seniors." The Senator is quoted as saying that he would "put this in the win category." On November 25, 2003, just four days later, the Senator proceeded to vote against the same bill.

"Seniors need help now," said Assemblyman Pennacchio. "With this Medicare Act, seniors will get just that." The bill, which was signed into law on December 8, 2003, will expand Medicare pharmacy coverage for all senior citizens. Under this new federal law, New Jersey is slated to receive $4 billion over the next ten years to implement this program, as well as expand and improve existing pharmaceutical aid programs such as PAAD and Senior Gold.

Assemblyman Pennacchio heard testimony before the Assembly Federal Relations Committee regarding the new Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 on February 26, 2004. Both written and oral testimony before the Committee by AARP stated that, "It is clear that if the state makes the right choices then PAAD and Senior Gold beneficiaries will be protected and the State will reap substantial savings."