PACE is a comprehensive Medicare and Medicaid program that provides all-inclusive care for elderly individuals who need nursing home level care but can still live safely in their community. To qualify for PACE, you must be 55 or older, live in a PACE service area, be certified by your state as needing nursing home care, and be able to live safely at home with PACE support.
PACE combines Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one coordinated program. It covers all Medicare and Medicaid services plus additional care determined necessary by your PACE team, including prescription drugs, doctor visits, transportation, home care, hospital stays, and nursing home care when needed. The program assigns you a team of healthcare professionals who create and manage your personalized care plan.
For those with both Medicare and Medicaid, PACE typically has no monthly premium. If you have Medicare but not Medicaid, you’ll pay a monthly premium covering long-term care and Part D drug coverage. Regardless of your coverage type, PACE eliminates deductibles and copayments for all approved services.
PACE operates through local organizations in select states and service areas.