The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), expertly designed for senior care, offers a comprehensive support system that enables participants to maintain their independence at home and within their familiar community for as long as possible. For seniors and their families exploring options beyond traditional care facilities, PACE delivers a unique peace of mind, connecting you with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals focused entirely on your individual health and well-being.
PACE distinguishes itself by providing access to a wide spectrum of healthcare services tailored to meet diverse needs. From essential home health assistance to specialized rehabilitation programs, the PACE team expertly coordinates an extensive array of resources. This includes seamless access to primary and specialty medical care, necessary medications, reliable medical transportation, and various therapeutic interventions, all orchestrated to work in harmony for your benefit.
Recognizing the deep connection seniors have with their homes and the cherished memories within, PACE offers a viable alternative to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Our committed team collaborates closely with you and your family to ensure you can continue living safely and comfortably in your own home, preserving your independence and quality of life within the community you love.
Comprehensive PACE Services for Senior Care
Our primary goal is to empower you to remain in your home, living as actively and healthily as possible, for as long as possible. To achieve this, the PACE team works in close partnership with you and your family to thoroughly understand your personal goals and to determine the most effective combination of services to address your specific needs. While some participants may benefit from a focused selection of one or two services, others may require a more comprehensive suite of support. Our services are extensive and customized, including, but not limited to:
- Primary care and specialist medical attention provided at our on-site medical clinic*
- All necessary medications managed and coordinated
- Therapeutic recreation programs designed to enhance well-being
- Reliable transportation to and from the UnityPoint Health PACE Senior Care center
- Provision of durable medical equipment as needed
- Comprehensive rehabilitation and restorative therapies
- Dietary services and nutritional support
- Personalized in-home support and care services
- Social work services and emotional support
- Respite care options for family caregivers
- Hospitalization and emergency care coordination
Important Note: To ensure coordinated and effective care, PACE program participants are required to receive all necessary healthcare services, including primary and specialist physician services (excluding emergency services), directly through PACE or entities specifically authorized by the PACE program. Participants may bear full financial responsibility for the costs associated with obtaining unauthorized services or services outside the PACE program agreement.
PACE Program Eligibility Criteria for Seniors
To be eligible to join the PACE program, individuals must meet specific criteria designed to ensure the program effectively serves those who can benefit most from its all-inclusive care model:
- Must be 55 years of age or older
- Must be certified as eligible for nursing facility level of care as determined by the State
- Must reside in a county within the PACE service area
- Must be able to live safely in a community setting at the time of enrollment into the PACE program
Understanding PACE Program Costs
PACE is structured to eliminate the complexities of deductibles and copayments for any medication, service, or care that is approved by the PACE interdisciplinary team, providing financial predictability and ease of access to care.
- For individuals who are dually eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, there is no premium required for PACE services.
- For those eligible only for Medicaid, no premium is charged for accessing PACE services.
- Individuals eligible for Medicare only will be charged a monthly premium for program enrollment, which conveniently includes Medicare Part D coverage for prescription medications.
- For individuals who do not qualify for either Medicare or Medicaid, our dedicated enrollment coordinator is available to discuss private pay rate options to access the comprehensive benefits of PACE.
It is crucial to remember that PACE participants may be fully and personally responsible for the expenses incurred from obtaining healthcare services that are not authorized by PACE or are received outside the bounds of the PACE program agreement, with the exception of emergency services, which are always covered.