PACE: all-inclusive care that helps older adults stay at home

Who can join

Per Medicare.gov, you can join PACE if you:

1. Are at least 55.
2. Live in the service area of a PACE organization.
3. Need a nursing home level of care, as certified by your state.
4. Can live safely in the community with help from PACE.

What PACE may cover

• Adult day primary care, including meals and recreational therapy.
• Primary care, specialists, hospital and emergency care.
• Home care and personal care.
• Prescription drugs.
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy.
• Nursing home care when medically necessary.
• Social services, nutrition counseling, dentistry.
• Transportation to the PACE center and appointments.

What it costs

• With Medicaid: no monthly premium.
• With Medicare but not Medicaid: a monthly premium for the long-term care part, plus a premium for Part D drugs.
• Without either: you can pay the premium privately.

There's no deductible or copay for care the PACE team approves.

Things to know

• You get care through the PACE team and its providers.
• If you join a separate Medicare drug plan, you'll be disenrolled from PACE.
• PACE isn't available everywhere. Search Medicare's PACE plan finder or call your state Medicaid office to see if there's a program near you.

Questions families ask

Sources

• Medicare.gov: PACE