PACE Overview
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a new initiative from CMS to expand care for the elderly. PACE provides comprehensive medical assistance and social services for seniors wishing to remain at home and within their communities. PACE beneficiaries typically are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, with both programs offering support and funds to cover necessary services.1 This program provides patients with a comprehensive and professional healthcare team, allowing them to live comfortably in their homes and communities while receiving essential care during difficult times.
What is PACE?
PACE is a comprehensive healthcare program designed to assist qualified elderly individuals living independently in their homes or communities. PACE provides comprehensive care with a wide range of healthcare services, including all services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, such as primary and specialty medical care, nursing care, social services, physical therapy, plus additional services and services not covered that are deemed to be fit. To manage these services, PACE participants are provided with a dedicated team of care professionals. The team typically comprises doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other specialists.
To qualify for PACE, individuals must meet some requirements for eligibility:
- Must be certified by the state as needing nursing home-level care
- Must be able to live safely in the community with the help of PACE services2
Why is PACE important?
PACE is centered around providing comprehensive, coordinated care for seniors by allowing them to live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The program promotes independence, improves quality of life, and focuses on preventative, comprehensive interventions while taking a holistic approach to care. The program is a cost-effective tool for individuals, covering all services under Medicare and potentially requiring minimal or no payment for Medicaid-eligible individuals. Flexibility is also a key feature, allowing participants to enroll or disenroll at any time, regardless of enrollment periods.2
MTEC — Aligning with PACE
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) represents a pivotal approach to enhancing quality care for seniors by integrating comprehensive services and fostering community-based care. At Maxwell TEC, we help home health and hospice providers thrive in the complex healthcare environment. Our team of experts, with years of industry experience, implements strategic solutions to the many challenges faced by agencies. Equipped with industry knowledge, including expertise in the PACE program, Maxwell supports home health providers in creating a streamlined approach to industry changes. By supplying essential resources that enable PACE centers to distribute superior care efficiently and effectively, Maxwell contributes directly to improving the lives of elderly participants and their family. Ultimately, ensuring quality care by focusing on the people, process, and technology.
This blog was originally published as "Empowering Elderly Independence: An Introduction to PACE" by Shea Swenson on 8/20/24, for Maxwell Healthcare Associates. The Maxwell TEC editorial team has since updated this article to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Resources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)." CMS.gov. Accessed August 23, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/medicaid-chip/medicare-coordination/qualified-beneficiary-program/program-all-inclusive-care-elderly-pace.
- Healthline. "PACE and Medicare: What to Know." Accessed August 23, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/pace-medicare#cost.
