Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE is a Medicare program and Medicaid state option that gives community based care and services to people 55 or older who otherwise would need a nursing home level of care. PACE was created as a way to give you, your family, caregivers, and professional health care providers the flexibility to meet your health care needs and help you continue living in the community. With PACE, a team of health care professionals will give you the coordinated care you need. These professionals are also experts in working with older people. They’ll work together with you and your family (as appropriate) to develop an effective plan of care.
PACE provides all the care and services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as authorized by the health care team. They also cover additional medically necessary care and services not covered by Medicare and Medicaid that the team may decide you need. PACE provides coverage for prescription drugs, doctor care, transportation, home care, checkups, hospital visits, and nursing home stays when necessary.
Who can join PACE?
You can join PACE if you meet these conditions:
• You’re 55 or older
• You live in the service area of a PACE organization
• You’re certified by the state in which you live as needing a nursing home level of care
• You would be able to live safely in the community if you get PACE services
Note: You can leave a PACE program at any time