What Is the PACE Program — and How Does Center-Based Care Compare?
What Is the PACE Program — and How Does Center-Based Care Compare?
When families begin exploring long-term care options, it’s common to hear about PACE—the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This community-centered model is known for its full continuum of care. But what exactly is PACE, and how does it differ from what we offer at A Plus Home Health? In this blog, we’ll clarify both models and help you find the best path for your loved one.
Understanding PACE: A Closer Look
What Is PACE?
PACE is a government-funded model providing comprehensive medical and social services for older adults who qualify for nursing home-level care but prefer to remain in their community. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
“PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, elderly people (participants) still living in the community. Most participants are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.” (CMS.gov)
PACE is an HCBS (Home- and Community-Based Services) program where an interdisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and more—designs and delivers a fully integrated care plan. (CMS.gov)
Eligibility & Enrollment
To qualify for PACE, participants must:
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Be 55 years or older
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Live within a PACE service area
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Require nursing home-level care, yet still be able to live safely in their community (Medicaid.gov)
Once enrolled, PACE becomes the exclusive source of both Medicare and Medicaid services for the participant. Financing is provided through capitated payments, which allow flexible service delivery.
What Services Does PACE Cover?
PACE’s all-in-one structure typically includes:
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Primary and specialty medical care
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Skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapies
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Prescription drugs
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Transportation to the PACE center
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Social, recreational, and dining services
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Dental, vision, and respite care
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Adult day health services and meals (Medicare.gov)
The goal? Keep seniors healthy, connected, and out of institutions.
Why PACE Appeals to Families
As someone who speaks daily with families navigating these care choices, I can’t overstate PACE’s appeal:
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Integrated, one-stop care – Medical, social, and therapeutic services under one roof.
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Cost-effective – Often no premiums or copays for dually eligible participants.
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Community-centered – Keeps older adults engaged and socially connected.
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Preventative focus – Reduces hospitalizations and institutional care through proactive support.
In many cases, PACE offers exactly what families hope for: comprehensive support and peace of mind.
The Limits of PACE
But PACE isn’t without boundaries:
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Strict eligibility: Only available to those 55+ meeting nursing-home-level care requirements.
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Geographic limits: Only offered in certain regions.
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Dependency on Medicaid: Those not qualifying for Medicaid may face high out-of-pocket costs.
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Provider restrictions: All services must be delivered within the PACE network.
How A Plus Home Health Differs — and Complements
At A Plus Home Health, our center-based community care model shares many hallmarks with PACE—but is designed to be more flexible and inclusive.
1. Serving All Ages, All Needs
While PACE is seniors-only, we serve patients of all ages—from children with developmental needs to post-operative adults and seniors managing chronic conditions.
2. Flexible Funding and Coverage Options
PACE relies on Medicare and Medicaid. We also work with:
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Private pay and long-term care insurance
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Commercial insurance plans
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Medicaid HCBS waivers (similar to PACE benefits, but broader)
This ensures families who don’t qualify for PACE can still access comprehensive care.
3. Broader Access to Care Centers
PACE is location-specific. We prioritize opening centers in areas where PACE may not exist, so families aren’t cut off from integrated care.
A Real-Life Story
We always remember the Henderson family. Their father was in his 70s with multiple chronic conditions. They considered PACE, but the nearest center was over an hour away and at capacity.
When they discovered A Plus Home Health, their father began therapy, social activities, and nursing check-ins—right in their own community. His daughter said:
“It feels just like PACE—but it’s local, personal, and made for real life.”
That’s the power of adapting PACE’s values with flexibility and compassion.
PACE vs. A Plus Home Health: A Summary
| Feature | PACE | A Plus Home Health |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 55+ seniors only | All ages and conditions |
| Service Location | Limited to PACE regions | Local community centers wherever needed |
| Funding | Medicare + Medicaid capitation | Insurance, private pay, Medicaid HCBS waivers |
| Service Scope | Comprehensive, integrated care | Same care, adapted to modern needs |
| Flexibility & Access | Restricted by eligibility/geography | Broad, inclusive, tailored to each family |
Which Is Right For Your Family?
If your loved one meets eligibility and has access to a PACE center, it’s a wonderful option. But if eligibility, geography, or individual needs are barriers, A Plus Home Health offers a powerful, adaptable alternative—or even a meaningful complement.
Final Thoughts
PACE is a groundbreaking model that has transformed elder care. Yet it doesn’t serve everyone equally. At A Plus Home Health, we’ve built a center-based model inspired by PACE’s values—team-based, holistic, and community-rooted—but designed to be broader, accessible, and equally compassionate.
Whether you’re exploring PACE or evaluating alternatives, we’re here to guide you through every step with empathy, insight, and expertise.