Pace as a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

What The PACE healthcare program offers

PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a type of healthcare program designed to provide comprehensive care to seniors who live in their own homes or in community-based settings rather than in nursing homes. PACE programs are typically run by non-profit organizations and are funded by Medicare and Medicaid.

PACE programs offer a range of services to seniors, including medical care, rehabilitation, social services, and personal care. Participants in the program receive care from a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers

How the PACE program works

PACE programs are designed to provide seniors with comprehensive healthcare services and support in order to help them maintain their independence and remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Here's how the PACE program works:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for PACE, seniors must be at least 55 years old, live in a PACE service area, and meet the criteria for nursing home level of care
2. Enrollment: Once a senior is deemed eligible, they can enroll in the PACE program. Enrollment is voluntary, and seniors can leave the program at any time.
3. Care Team: Each PACE participant is assigned a care team that includes a primary care physician, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Care Plan: The care team works with the participant and their family members to develop an individualized care plan that addresses their specific healthcare needs and goals.
5. Services: PACE programs provide a range of services, including primary care, specialty care, rehabilitation, social services, and personal care. Participants receive these services either at a PACE center or in their home.
6. Transportation: PACE programs also provide transportation to and from medical appointments and other activities.
7. Funding: PACE programs are funded by Medicare and Medicaid, and participants typically pay a monthly fee for the services they receive.

What does PACE cover?

PACE provides all the care and services covered by Medicare and Medicaid if authorized by your health care team. If your health care team decides you need care and services that Medicare and Medicaid doesn't cover, PACE may still cover them.

Here are some of the services PACE may cover:

1. Primary care: PACE provides participants with a primary care physician who oversees their healthcare needs and coordinates their care with other healthcare professionals.
2. Specialty care: Participants may receive specialty care from healthcare professionals such as cardiologists, neurologists, and other specialists.
3. Rehabilitation: PACE offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help participants recover from illness or injury and to maintain their strength and mobility.
4. Social services: Participants receive social services such as counseling, caregiver support, and assistance with activities of daily living.
5. Personal care: PACE provides personal care services such as bathing, grooming, and medication management.
6. Medical equipment and supplies: PACE covers the cost of medical equipment and supplies such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen.
7. Prescription drugs: PACE covers the cost of prescription drugs that are approved by the program.
8. Transportation: PACE provides transportation to and from medical appointments and other activities.

How to apply for PACE

To find out if you’re eligible and if there’s a Florida PACE program near you, search for PACE plans in your SWFL area, or call your local Medicaid office.