Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
The PACE program coordinates Medicare and Medicaid to provide comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, elderly people. PACE allows participants to remain in their community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility.
The program structure enables providers to deliver all services that participants need rather than limiting such services to only those reimbursable from Medicare and Medicaid. For participants, the PACE program would become the sole source of Medicaid and Medicare benefits.
Although the model is allowable within the Medicare program, states may choose to not participate with Medicaid services. As such, the program is only available in some states.
Benefits include, but are not limited to, all Medicaid and Medicare covered services such as:
- Adult day primary care
- Dentistry
- Emergency services
- Home care
- Hospital care
- Laboratory/x-ray services
- Meals
- Nursing home care
- Nutritional counseling
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Preventive care
- Social work counseling
- Transportation to the PACE center for activities or medical appointments
In 2023, costs for the program are as follows:
- If you have Medicaid, there is no cost for the long-term care portion.
- If you do not have Medicaid but do have Medicare, you pay:
- A monthly premium to cover the long-term care portion.
- A premium for Medicare Part D drugs.
There is no deductible or copayment for drugs, services, or care approved by your health care team.
If you do not have Medicare or Medicaid, you can pay for PACE yourself.