The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is administered by MassHealth and Medicare to provide a wide range of medical, social, recreational, and wellness services to eligible participants. The goal of PACE is to allow participants to live safely in their homes instead of in nursing homes.
The PACE model is centered on the core belief that given a choice, most elders, the disabled, and their families would choose to receive care in their homes and communities rather than in a nursing home.
All PACE programs feature several essential components.
- An Interdisciplinary Team made up of health care and social service professionals, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and nurses.
- An individualized health care plan for each participant that is developed with input from you and your family (when appropriate) along with members of the Interdisciplinary Team. This plan of care outlines all the services you need to keep you safe and healthy. For more on the services offered by PACE visit the Which Services are Covered by PACE? web page.
- A PACE Center that serves as the hub of PACE services and activities, including a doctor’s office, rehabilitation gym, and social work offices, as well as an activities center. The center offers you the choice to spend your day with other PACE participants enjoying social and recreational activities, having meals (usually a snack and lunch), or seeing your doctors and other health providers.
To be eligible for enrollment in PACE you must meet all eligibility criteria.
Once you enroll in PACE, most of your medical services will be provided at the PACE Center, although services may be provided in your home or another facility.