PACE Program: Care at Home for Seniors

As people age, managing health care often becomes complicated. Many older adults need frequent doctor visits, help with daily routines, transportation to appointments, and assistance with medications.

While nursing homes provide necessary support, most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE program, allows seniors to do just that. Funded by Medicare and Medicaid, PACE offers comprehensive medical care and long-term support directly to eligible older adults, allowing them to live safely in their communities instead of moving to nursing facilities.

What Is the PACE Program?

PACE stands for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly | New Window.

It is a comprehensive health care program jointly funded by Medicare and Medicaid | New Window. The goal is to help eligible seniors receive coordinated medical care and supportive services while remaining as independent as possible.

Each participant works with a team of health care professionals who create a personalized care plan based on the individual's medical conditions, daily living needs, and personal goals.

Depending on your health needs, your care team may include:

• Primary care doctors and nurses who manage your day-to-day health, routine checkups, and chronic conditions.
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapists who help restore your strength, balance, and movement after an injury or illness.
• Social workers who provide emotional support, assist with paperwork, and help families navigate difficult life changes.
• Dietitians and personal care aides who oversee healthy meal planning and assist with everyday tasks like bathing or dressing.
• Drivers and transportation staff who safely escort you from your front door to the PACE center and back home.

Who Qualifies for the PACE Program?

PACE is designed for older adults who need significant medical or long-term care but can continue living safely in the community with the right support.

To qualify, you generally must:

• Be 55 years of age or older
• Live in an area served by a PACE organization
• Be certified by your state as needing a nursing home level of care
• Be able to live safely in the community with assistance from the PACE program

Meeting nursing home level-of-care requirements does not mean you must move into a nursing home. Instead, it means your health needs are serious enough that you would typically qualify for nursing facility care. PACE is designed to provide those services while helping you remain at home whenever possible.

Eligibility requirements may vary by state.

What Services Does the PACE Program Provide?

PACE provides comprehensive health care and supportive services through one coordinated program. Services are based on each participant's individual needs rather than a standard list of benefits.

Your care team regularly evaluates your health and updates your care plan as needed.

Common services include:

Primary and Specialty Medical Care

Your primary care doctor at the PACE center handles everything from annual checkups to managing long-term conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure. If you need to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or orthopedist, PACE will arrange those visits and cover the costs for specialist care, lab tests, X-rays

Prescription Medications

With PACE, you never have to stand in line at a pharmacy or worry about drug copays. The program covers all medically necessary prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications approved by your care team.

Adult Day Health Centers

A core part of the PACE experience takes place at the local adult day health center. Participants visit the center on a schedule tailored to their personal care plan. At the center, seniors may receive nursing care, sit down for nutritious meals, participate in physical therapy, and enjoy social activities.

Not every participant attend a PACE center every day. Your schedule depends on your care plan and personal needs.

In-Home Care and Personal Support

PACE sends trained home health aides directly to your residence. These aides can assist with essential personal tasks known as activities of daily living, such as taking a shower, getting dressed, styling hair, preparing simple meals, or doing light housekeeping. Having this dedicated assistance keeps the home clean and safe while giving family members peace of mind.

Rehabilitation Services

Recovering from a fall, a joint replacement, or a stroke requires steady physical work. PACE may provide on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy at their day centers.

Medical Transportation

Transportation is an important part of the PACE program. Participants may receive rides to medical appointments, therapy sessions, the forementioned adult day health centers, and other approved health-related services.

Reliable transportation helps ensure participants receive the care they need without relying on family members or public transportation.

How Much Does the PACE Program Cost?

The cost of joining a PACE program depends entirely on your current financial situation and the type of health insurance you hold.

The majority of people enrolled in PACE are "dual-eligible," meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you have both, PACE is completely free. You will pay no monthly premiums, no coinsurance, no deductibles, and zero copays for any medical service, medication, or ride approved by your care team.Because costs can vary, your local PACE organization can explain what you may be expected to pay based on your insurance coverage.

How to Enroll in the PACE Program

If you think PACE may be right for you or a loved one, the enrollment process is straightforward.

1. Find a Local PACE Provider:

Start by confirming that a PACE center serves your specific zip code. You can search the official Medicare website directory or call your local Area Agency on Aging for assistance finding local programs.

2. Contact the Center for an Informational Visit:

Reach out to the nearby PACE program to speak with an intake coordinator. They will answer your initial questions, explain how their center works, outline potential costs, and invite you and your family for a tour.

3. Schedule a Health Assessment:

If you want to move forward, the PACE care team will arrange an in-person assessment. Doctors, nurses, and social workers will evaluate your physical health, mobility, memory, and home safety to confirm that you meet state requirements for nursing home level of care.

4. Finalize Enrollment and Create Your Care Plan:

Once your state certifies your eligibility, you will sign enrollment paperwork and meet with your new care team. Together, you will design a customized weekly plan covering your medical visits, home care support, transportation, and day center schedule.

Is the PACE Program Right for You?

The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offer a unique approach to caring for older adults who need ongoing medical care and long-term support. If you are 55 or older, need a nursing home level of care, and want to continue living in your community, PACE may be an option worth exploring.

Contact a local PACE organization or your Area Agency on Aging to learn whether the program is available where you live, review your eligibility, and begin the enrollment process.

And if you’re ready to discover government programs, veteran benefits, and support services tailored to your unique situation, BenefitKarma can help you navigate the complex world of benefits with clarity. Find the Benefits You Deserve