To qualify for PACE you must
- Be 55 or older (if 55-64 years you must have a disability determination)
- Be certified by the state as eligible for nursing home care
- Meet citizenship and residency requirements for MassHealth Standard
- Live in the service area of a PACE organization
- Be able to live safely in the community, and
- Agree to receive health services exclusively through the PACE organization.
You do not need to be on MassHealth to enroll in PACE. However, if you meet the income and asset guidelines described below, you may be eligible for MassHealth and MassHealth may pay your PACE premium.
MassHealth income and asset rules for PACE include the following.
- Countable income must not be greater than 300% of the federal benefit rate. The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) changes every year. Please refer to the Eligibility Figures for Community Residents Age 65 or Older which updates the FBR annually. If a PACE participant’s countable income is greater than 300% of the FBR, private pay and Medicare only options are available. The monthly premium charged to a PACE enrollee is based upon income. The PACE program can assist you in determining your share of cost.
- Countable assets must not be greater than $2,000 for a single applicant.
- if you are married, your spouse's income and assets are reviewed. The asset limit per married couple changes yearly and is listed under MassHealth’s program financial guidelines for certain MassHealth applicants and members (under the header Eligibility Figures for Residents of a Long-Term-Care Facility). The income of the non-applying spouse will not be counted against the 300% FBR limit.
NOTE: The 300% FBR limit applies to PACE applicants and members age 55 and over
| Last updated: | February 10, 2026 |
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