Community Services
3. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive medical, social, and supportive services to those aged 55 and older. Elders who are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal pay nothing for PACE services. Medicare members who are not eligible for Medi-Cal pay monthly premiums for PACE services, but they do not pay deductibles, co-insurance, or share other costs.
Unlike other home- and community-based services, which are typically paid on a fee-for-service basis, PACE is a managed care plan that is responsible for all care needs. Care must cover all Medicare and Medicaid services offered by the state of California, as well as any other services deemed necessary by a patient’s doctors, nurses, and therapists. Such services include: primary care, social services, occupational and recreational therapies, personal care and supportive services, nutritional counseling, recreational therapy, meals, transportation, and laboratory services.
PACE does not provide housing. However some PACE organizations have partnered with housing entities to locate PACE centers on the ground floor of senior housing facilities. The PACE model originated as a way to provide comprehensive care for frail seniors while enabling them to remain in the familiar settings of their own homes and communities.
Clients’ needs are assessed by a number of professionals who then plan and deliver care and services, generally at PACE centers.
There are five PACE program across California:
- AltaMed Senior Buena Care, Los Angeles, 323-728-0411
- Center for Elders Independence, Oakland & Berkeley, 510-433-1150
- Community Eldercare of San Diego, San Diego, 619-239-6900
- On Lok Senior Health Services, San Francisco & San Jose, 415-292-8888
- Sutter Senior Care, Sacramento, 916-446-3100
The California PACE Association is a central source of information. Also see the California state Web site. More information can be found at the National PACE Association site and a national consumer site.
