The PACE program lets seniors who need nursing-home-level care stay safely at home. Here is how this all-inclusive model works.
What is the PACE program for the elderly?
PACE — the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly — is a Medicare and Medicaid program that delivers all of a senior's medical, social, and long-term care through a single coordinated team. Instead of juggling separate doctors, specialists, and home aides, PACE participants get a unified plan built around an adult day health center. Services include primary and specialty care, prescriptions, hospital and nursing care when needed, physical and occupational therapy, meals, social activities, and transportation. As of 2026, more than 170 PACE programs operate in 33 states and DC, serving over 80,000 participants who would otherwise need a nursing home.
How does PACE work with Medicare?
If you have Medicare, it helps pay for your PACE benefits. PACE becomes your single source of care, replacing the need for separate Medicare Advantage or Part D plans — the program covers all Medicare-approved services plus anything else its care team deems necessary. If you also qualify for Medicaid, you typically pay nothing for the long-term-care portion. If you have Medicare but not Medicaid, you pay a monthly premium for the long-term-care piece plus a Part D drug premium. Because PACE changes how your other coverage works, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) before enrolling to understand the trade-offs.
Is PACE the right choice for my family?
PACE suits seniors who need significant daily help but want to remain at home with strong support. It is a major commitment: participants generally must use PACE's network of doctors and providers, so you give up the freedom to see outside physicians. For families weighing PACE against a Medicare Supplement plus home care, an unbiased comparison matters. Our specialists at 1-800-MEDIGAP can walk through both paths free of charge so you choose with confidence.