New PACE Association of Ohio Will Advocate for PACE Providers

Posted on: July 2, 2024

The PACE Association of Ohio (PAO) formally launched on June 27 as an independent trade association to advocate for and support providers of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Its membership includes PACE organizations serving Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Summit and Trumbull counties.

The establishment of the association was made possible as part of the historic expansion of the PACE program enacted through the passage of Ohio House Bill 45 in 2022.

The founding members of the new association are Acutecare Health System/BoldAge PACE, McGregor PACE, One Senior Care and TriHealth. McGregor PACE will partner with Ohio Living to provide services in Summit County, and TriHealth will partner with Edenbridge Health and the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio in Hamilton County.

“Creating a State PACE Association is essential for the successful growth of the PACE program across Ohio,” said Ann Conn, president and CEO of the McGregor Foundation and incoming chair of the PAO Board of Directors. “Ohioans deserve a variety of senior care options, and PAO is eager to work with our partners statewide to ensure a smooth and successful launch.”

PAO will advocate on behalf of PACE providers, participants and staff with the Ohio General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and all Ohio policy-makers and interest groups that interact with PACE, health care, and services and supports for older adults. PAO also will share knowledge and provide education for its members to advance the care model and support participants and staff.

“The ability to speak in one collective voice through PAO will allow PACE organizations to advocate for state policies and practices that allow for high-quality care for frail older adults in Ohio,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of the National PACE Association (NPA). PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain older adult participants living in the community, serving as both the care provider and insurer.

PACE provides health care, medical care and ancillary services across all settings. The majority of people served by PACE are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

PAO will serve as a state affiliate of the National PACE Association (NPA), the national trade association representing PACE providers, and maintain a strategic partnership with LeadingAge Ohio, a nonprofit trade association that represents approximately 400 long-term care organizations, hospices, and senior housing providers. PAO will work with High Bridge Consulting for state lobbying and advocacy services on behalf of the association. For more information, visit the PAO website.