PACE Program in 2026: All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
- PACE provides complete medical and support care so seniors can live at home.
- It is for people 55+ who need a nursing-home level of care.
- PACE covers doctor, hospital, prescriptions, therapy, and home support.
- Most PACE participants have Medicaid, Medicare, or both.
PACE – the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – helps older adults who need a lot of care stay in their homes and communities instead of a nursing home. Here is how PACE works in 2026.
What PACE is
PACE brings together all of a person’s medical and long-term care under one coordinated team. Instead of juggling separate doctors and services, a PACE team manages everything – primary care, specialists, hospital care, prescriptions, therapy, adult day services, and support at home.
Who is eligible
To join PACE you generally must:
- Be 55 or older.
- Live in a PACE service area.
- Need a nursing-home level of care (certified by the state).
- Be able to live safely in the community with PACE support.
Many participants qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or both – see dual eligibility.
What it covers
PACE covers all Medicare- and Medicaid-covered services its team decides you need, and more – including transportation to the PACE center and medical appointments, meals, and social activities. There is usually no copay for care the team authorizes.
What it costs
If you have Medicaid, you typically pay little or nothing. If you have Medicare but not Medicaid, there is a monthly premium. Compare with other options in the SSI guide for seniors and the benefits overview for seniors. For care needs, see home and community-based services and long-term care documents.
How to enroll
- Find a PACE program in your area (see the official source).
- Contact them to ask about eligibility and a visit.
- The state certifies your level-of-care need.
- If you enroll, the PACE team becomes your care provider.
Enrolling is free to explore, and you can leave PACE at any time.
Tips
- Ask which providers are on the PACE team – PACE generally coordinates care through its own network.
- Bring your Medicare and Medicaid information to the first visit.
- Consider PACE if a loved one needs lots of care but wants to stay home.
Is PACE right for your family?
PACE works best for someone who needs a lot of coordinated care but strongly prefers to stay at home, and whose family wants one team managing everything. Because PACE provides care through its own team and center, it is a bigger commitment than adding a single service – so it helps to visit the center, meet the staff, and ask how they handle emergencies, weekends, and specialists you already see. Families often compare PACE with a mix of home and community-based services and regular Medicare. If your area has no PACE program or there is a wait, ask about HCBS waivers as an alternative while you decide. The goal is the same: safe, dignified care at home instead of a facility.
Official source
Find a PACE program and learn more through Medicare and Medicaid at medicare.gov and medicaid.gov. It is free to explore.
Frequently asked questions
Who is PACE for?
Adults 55 and older who need a nursing-home level of care but want to keep living at home, and who live in a PACE service area.
What does PACE cost?
If you have Medicaid, usually little or nothing. With Medicare only, there is a monthly premium. There are generally no copays for PACE-authorized care.
Can I keep my own doctor?
PACE coordinates care through its own team, so you generally use PACE providers. Ask each program how it handles specialists you already see.
What to Do Next
Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.