U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America	Frequent Questions Search

Font Size     Print     Download Reader

This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

The approval will allow the state to implement the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE is an optional benefit in the state's Medicaid program that focuses entirely on older people who are frail enough to meet their state's standards for nursing home care. The program brings together all the medical and social services needed for someone to stay in their communities.

PACE blends funding from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The program operates a comprehensive managed care plan for frail elderly persons. Providers must cover all items and services provided by both Medicare and Medicaid without any limitation on the amount, duration or scope of those services.

"PACE is a full-service program designed to meet a wide range of needs the elderly may have. The goal of this program is to keep the elderly in their communities and near their loved ones," said Secretary Thompson. "This program represents the kind of cooperation between state and federal governments to provide citizens the best possible care."

PACE began as a demonstration project in San Francisco and currently has 25 sites in 13 states. The program is available only in states that have chosen to offer the program under Medicaid. To be eligible for PACE, a person must be 55 or older, live in the service area of a PACE program and be certified as eligible for nursing home care by an appropriate state agency. Enrollment is voluntary, but once enrolled, PACE becomes the sole source of services for the Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who choose it.

###

HHS Home | Questions? | Contacting HHS | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | FOIA | Disclaimers | The White House | USA.gov | Helping America's Youth

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. - Washington, D.C. 20201