Understanding the PACE Program
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is an all-inclusive managed care program for seniors aged 55+ who qualify for nursing home level of care but want to remain at home. PACE covers everything — medical care, prescriptions, adult day care, home care, transportation, and meals — all coordinated by one interdisciplinary team. Now active in 33 states and DC, some PACE programs allow family members to be paid as personal care attendants through the program's flexible care model.
33 states + DCPathway 11 — Key Details
Source: Medicaid.gov, PACE
Available in 33 States
As of early 2026, PACE is active in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Several other states, including Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota, have recently passed legislation or are in the process of launching their first PACE centers.
Eligibility: What to Expect & How to Prepare
To qualify for PACE, you must generally meet four criteria: age, residency in a PACE service area, nursing home level of care certification, and the ability to live safely in the community with PACE services.
Before enrolling, ask these questions to understand how the specific PACE organization operates.
"Do you allow for 'Family Caregiver' hiring?"
Ask if their specific model allows a family member to be hired as your personal care aide — not all PACE programs offer this.
"What are the boundaries of your service area?"
PACE is zip-code specific — you must live within their defined territory to enroll.
"Is there a monthly premium for the long-term care portion?"
If you have Medicare only (and not Medicaid), there is usually a monthly fee for the long-term care services.
Eligibility Documents
- Medical records — a recent diagnosis and functional assessment from a physician
- Medicaid and/or Medicare cards — proof of enrollment to determine your monthly premium (dual-eligible participants typically pay $0)
Financial Documents (If Applying for Medicaid)
- Standard bank and income statements for the state's financial review
- Proof of age (55+) — government-issued ID or birth certificate
- Proof of residency within the PACE service area
Pro Tips
- Visit npaonline.org to find PACE organizations near you — or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for help locating programs.
- If you're dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, PACE typically costs $0 in premiums or copays — it's one of the most comprehensive free care programs available.
- PACE requires receiving all care through their network — you cannot use outside providers, so make sure you're comfortable with their team before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a managed care program for people 55 and older who need a nursing home level of care but want to stay at home. One team coordinates medical care, prescriptions, adult day care, home care, transportation and meals.
Some PACE programs can pay family members as personal care attendants, because each program controls its own budget. Ask the PACE organization directly whether it allows family caregiver hiring.
Most programs require age 55 or older, certification that you need a nursing home level of care, and living in a PACE service area. Most participants have both Medicare and Medicaid, and a private pay option is available.
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, there are no premiums or copays. With Medicare only, you pay a monthly premium. Private pay costs vary by program.
Use the National PACE Association directory at npaonline.org, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. PACE is available in 33 states and DC.
Explore other pathways
Consumer-directed care — the most common paid caregiving pathway. ~$18/hr national median.
Learn moreTax-free daily stipend for live-in caregivers. $40–$70/day. No hourly timesheets.
Learn moreRespite stipends and caregiver grants through Area Agencies on Aging. Small but stackable.
Learn moreSee how caregiver compensation fits into your family's plan.
Your free care plan shows whether you qualify, how much you may receive, and how it connects to your broader financial and care picture.
See how caregiver compensation fits into your plan →Always free — no credit card required.