The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Model was designed to deliver all needed medical and supportive services to seniors with chronic care needs while allowing individuals to stay in their homes for as long as possible. The PACE Model of Care dates to the early 1970s, when William Gee, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), noticed a need for long-term care services within his community. Gee, and other community leaders formed a non-profit organization called On-Lok Senior Health Services to provide a community-based system of continuum care. In 1990, the first PACE program received Medicare and Medicaid waivers to operate. Today, the United States has 150 PACE programs operating in 273 PACE centers in 32 States serving around 60,000 participants.
PACE is a Medicare program and Medicaid state option for the elderly population. There are some basic requirements for becoming a PACE participant. Individuals must be 55 or older, certified by their state to need nursing home care, able to live safely in their community at enrollment, and reside in a PACE service area. PACE provides an array of services for its participants, including adult daycare, medical care provided by a PACE physician, home healthcare, personal care, prescription drug maintenance, social services, medical specialties, respite care, and hospital and nursing home care. PACE also covers all other Medicare and Medicaid services when authorized by the health care team.
There are many advantages to becoming a PACE participant. PACE uses Medicare and Medicaid funds to cover all medically necessary care and services. PACE healthcare professionals offer continuum care to all participants, including prescription drugs through Medicare Part D. PACE organizations also offer support to family members and other caregivers by providing caregiver training, support groups, and respite care. PACE organizations are designed to service their communities and make life easier for their participants. Please visit PACEFinder’s website for PACE locations.
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By: Ashley Augsburger
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student, California State University, Long Beach
