The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, elderly individuals who are still living in the community. PACE is designed to help people meet their healthcare needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility. The program is available in some states that offer PACE under Medicaid. PACE uses a comprehensive care approach, providing an array of services for a capitated monthly fee that is below the cost of comparable nursing facility care.

PACE covers all Medicare- and Medicaid-covered care and services, and anything else the healthcare professionals in your PACE team decide you need to improve and maintain your health. The interdisciplinary team of health professionals provides PACE participants with coordinated care. The team includes a primary care physician, nurse, social worker, physical therapist, and dietitian, among others. PACE provides coverage for prescription drugs, doctor care, transportation, home care, checkups, hospital visits, and even nursing home stays whenever necessary.

To be eligible for PACE, individuals must be at least 55 years old, live in the service area of a PACE organization, need a nursing home-level of care, and be able to live safely in the community with help from PACE. If you join PACE, the amount you pay each month will not change no matter what care and services you might need. The program 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.