PACE Program — PACE
PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that lets seniors get medical and personal care at home or in a day center instead of a nursing home.
Official source: medicare.gov
P.A.C.E. stands for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is a special healthcare choice for older people. It helps them get the medical care and support they need while living at home or in their community. This program is for people who are old enough to need nursing home care but can safely live at home with help.
To join P.A.C.E., you must be 55 years or older. You also need to live in an area that has a P.A.C.E. program. A special team of doctors and nurses will decide if you need care that is like what you would get in a nursing home. You must also be able to live safely in your community with the help of the P.A.C.E. program. Both Medicare and Medicaid can help pay for P.A.C.E. services.
P.A.C.E. matters because it helps older people stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Many people prefer to live at home instead of moving to a nursing home. P.A.C.E. provides all the care you might need, like doctor visits, medicine, and rides to appointments. It also helps with daily tasks such as bathing and eating. This way, you get full support to live well at home.
If you think P.A.C.E. might be right for you or someone you care about, you can use the official Medicare website to find a program near you. Look for the "PACE program directory" online. You can also call your local Area Agency on Aging for more information about programs in your community.
In real life
- A senior with chronic illness joined PACE and now visits an adult day center for care.
- Mary needed help managing her medications and getting to doctor appointments, so PACE sends nurses and drivers to her house.
- John's family worried about him living alone, so PACE helps him with meals and social activities each week.
Also known as
Take the next step
Frequently asked questions about PACE Program
What is PACE Program?+
PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that lets seniors get medical and personal care at home or in a day center instead of a nursing home.
Who qualifies for PACE Program?+
Adults age 60+ (sometimes 62+ or 65+, depending on the program), often with income or asset limits.
How do I apply for PACE Program?+
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you apply at no cost. Official forms and instructions: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/pace.
Where can I get help?+
Your local Area Agency on Aging connects seniors to benefits, in-home help, and caregiver support at no cost.
Source: medicare.gov