What is the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)?
PACE is a Medicare and/or Medicaid program for older adults and people over age 55 living with disabilities. This program provides community-based care and services to people who otherwise need nursing home level of care. PACE was created as a way to provide you, your family, caregivers and professional health care providers flexibility to meet your health care needs and to help you continue living in the community. An interdisciplinary team of professionals will give you the coordinated care you need.
PACE provides all the care and services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as authorized by the interdisciplinary team, as well as additional medically-necessary care and services not covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
PACE Provides Services in the Community
PACE provides care and services in the home, the community and the PACE Center. We contract with Medical Specialty Services and other providers in the community to make sure that you receive the services needed. Many participants receive their care from staff employed by PACE in the PACE Center.
PACE Provides Medical Transportation
PACE provides medically-necessary transportation to the PACE Center for activities or medical appointments. You can also receive transportation to medical appointments in the community.
PACE is Sponsored by the Health Care Professionals Who Treat You
PACE is a provider sponsored health plan. This means your PACE doctor and other care providers are also the people who work with you to make decisions about your care. No higher authorities will overrule what you, your doctor and other care providers agree is best for you. If you disagree with the team of health care professionals, you have a right to file an appeal.
What You Pay for PACE Depends on Your Financial Situation
If you qualify for Medicare, all Medicare-covered services are paid for by Medicare. If you also qualify for Medicaid, you will either have a monthly payment or pay nothing for the long-term care portion of PACE. If you do not qualify for Medicaid you will be charged a monthly premium to cover the long-term care portion of the PACE benefit and a premium for Medicare Part D drugs. However, in PACE there is never a deductible or co-payment for any drug, service or care approved by the PACE team.