{"id":355778,"date":"2022-10-11T13:27:45","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T18:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/program-of-all-inclusive-care-for-the-elderly.html"},"modified":"2026-07-02T16:18:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T21:18:00","slug":"program-of-all-inclusive-care-for-the-elderly","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/program-of-all-inclusive-care-for-the-elderly.html","title":{"rendered":"Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): FAQ<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Program of All\u2011Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps adults 55 and older with significant medical needs remain at home instead of entering a nursing facility. It provides a single, comprehensive package of medical, social, and long\u2011term care services through an interdisciplinary team, all funded by fixed monthly capitation payments. Eligibility depends on age, medical need, and living within a PACE service area.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The PACE model was developed to address the needs of long-term care clients, providers, and payers. Specifically, it helps low-income older adults stay at home for as long as possible before entering a nursing home. It has capitated benefits, meaning there is a fixed amount of money per patient and per unit of time.<\/p>\n

This article outlines the Program of All\u2011Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Keep reading to find answers to common questions about PACE eligibility, services provided, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can also bring your questions to an attorney near you<\/a>. They can provide answers tailored to your situation and help if you or a loved one’s enrollment is denied, delayed, or limited by geography.<\/p>\n

How Did PACE Begin?<\/h2>\n

This budget was authorized by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA). The program features a comprehensive service delivery system and integrates with\u00a0Medicare<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Medicaid<\/a> financing.<\/p>\n

The PACE program was modeled on the system of acute and long-term care services developed by On Lok Senior Health Services in San Francisco, California. The model was tested through Health Care Finance Administration<\/a> (HCFA) demonstration projects that began in the mid-1980s.<\/p>\n

Who Benefits From PACE?<\/h2>\n

Typically, PACE benefits older adults<\/a> facing medical issues and their informal caregivers. It also helps home health care providers and other medical staff ensure individuals get the care they need.<\/p>\n

Most PACE participants are 70+ years old and have numerous medical conditions and special needs. Many of these are chronic conditions.<\/p>\n

For most participants, the comprehensive service package lets them continue living at home while receiving services. This is ideal for many participants rather than being institutionalized in a nursing home or assisted living facility<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is intended to help maintain their quality of life, continue their activities of daily living, and support their care needs in their own community. In\u00a0about 5% of cases<\/a>, they may be in assisted living or nursing home care facilities,\u00a0which PACE pays for.<\/p>\n

Does PACE Work With Medicare and Medicaid?<\/h2>\n

Capitated financing allows providers to deliver all the services participants need. Otherwise, they would be limited to services reimbursable under the Medicare and Medicaid fee-for-service systems<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The BBA established the PACE model of care as a permanent entity within the Medicare program. It enables states to provide PACE services to Medicaid beneficiaries as a state option.<\/p>\n

The state plan must include PACE as an optional Medicaid benefit<\/a>. This must happen before the state and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can enter into program agreements with PACE providers.<\/p>\n

Once approved, the PACE program becomes the sole source of services for Medicare and Medicaid eligible enrollees.<\/p>\n

Is PACE Available Across the U.S.?<\/h2>\n

PACE is not available in every state, and no state offers the program statewide. As of 2026, PACE programs operate in 33 states<\/a>, with access limited to specific service areas rather than full statewide coverage. Geography and lengthy enrollment processes remain major barriers for older adults seeking PACE services.<\/p>\n

What Medical Professionals Work With PACE?<\/h2>\n

The program requires an interdisciplinary team consisting of professional and paraprofessional staff. They will need to:<\/p>\n