California PACE enrollment continues to rise

Enrollment in the California Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) nearly doubled during the last four-and-a-half years based on the latest numbers reported from 11 programs operating 30 PACE centers in the state. PACE is the gold standard for the delivery of coordinated care providing a "one-stop-shop" experience for seniors on Medicare and Medi-Cal living in the 12 counties PACE serves, allowing them to remain in their homes and communities rather than in costly nursing facilities. PACE enrollment consistently has increased with the geometric growth of the aging population and the push to implement the Coordinated Care Initiative in California. Southern California PACE enrollment almost tripled since 2010, while Northern California enrollment nearly doubled. Additionally, six new PACE Programs opened in the last two years.

"The complexities of the healthcare delivery system and cost of services are overwhelming to the increasing number of seniors relying on Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits," said California PACE Association's (CalPACE) Board Chair Linda Trowbridge. "PACE is the perfect formula to assist these seniors in navigating the system while receiving cost-effective, quality services."

To qualify for PACE, individuals must be at least 55 years old, able to live safely at home, certified to need a nursing-home level of care and live within a PACE service area. PACE strives to keep people in their homes while successfully addressing common issues affecting frail seniors such as chronic health conditions, high rates of Alzheimer's and dementias and social isolation. Having access to an interdisciplinary team of clinically skilled medical, social and dietary staff, as well as transportation and caregiver support, ensures true coordination of care.

Continuing and expanding PACE is contingent on the support of federal and state funding through Medicare and Medi-Cal.

"PACE hits the bulls-eye when managing overall healthcare for seniors," stated CalPACE Chief Executive Officer Peter Hansel. "By providing better care with proven outcomes and lower costs than traditional nursing home care, our seniors and California win."

SOURCE CalPACE