WASHINGTON, DC – The Duke University Margolis Center for Health Policy is recommending an expansion of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as part of a larger call to transform and expand home care for people with complex health needs.
PACE empowers older Americans and those with disabilities to live at home and in their communities despite being nursing home eligible. All their health care, long-term care services and supports (LTSS), nutrition, transportation and any other needs are identified in an individualized care plan by a dedicated interdisciplinary team. This team also is responsible for providing all care and services noted in the care plan around the clock or contracting with outside entities to provide services and care. PACE participants receive care and services such as primary care, LTSS, medications, meals, and peer socialization in their homes and in the local PACE center.
“PACE enrolls some of the frailest Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with longer term needs, including in-home services, through a capitated full-risk model,” according to the report, titled “Policy Agenda Brief on Opportunities for Expanding Home-Based Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Increase Pilots Relevant to Home-Based Care.” “Although PACE models serve relatively few beneficiaries due in part to scaling limitations, interest in PACE programs has increased recently.”
The report broadly endorses expanding PACE as a way to increase the availability of home-based care across the nation.
“Independent and forward-thinking health care policy-oriented organizations such as the Duke University Margolis Center for Health Policy are correct in putting forward recommendations to expand PACE,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of the National PACE Association. “PACE offers an aging population, caregivers, states and our nation a cost-effective opportunity to care for our elderly that keeps them independent, thereby enabling them to remain living at home.”
The recommendation by the Margolis Center aligns with other recommendations to expand PACE made by the Commonwealth Fund and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), among others. Congress also is considering several pieces of legislation to expand PACE, including the PACE Plus Act (S. 1162) and the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376).
The National PACE Association (NPA) works to advance the efforts of PACE programs, which coordinate and provide preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services so older individuals can continue living in the community. The PACE model of care is centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families to be served in the community whenever possible. For more information, visit www.NPAonline.org and follow @TweetNPA.