How to apply for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Who it's for

PACE is a comprehensive, integrated care program for seniors who are certified eligible for nursing-home placement but want to keep living in the community. A single PACE organization becomes the participant's complete medical home — covering all primary care, specialists, hospital stays, prescriptions, physical and occupational therapy, dental, vision, hearing, mental health, transportation to medical appointments, meals, social activities, and adult day care at a PACE center. For seniors who have both Medicare and full-scope Medi-Cal, PACE replaces those benefits as a single program with $0 out-of-pocket cost, no copays, no deductibles, and no prescription cost-sharing. PACE is operated by 17 nonprofit organizations across roughly 17 California counties; participants must live within a PACE service area and agree to use only PACE-network providers.

What you'll need

• Proof of California residency within a PACE service area
• Proof of age 55+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Medicare card (if enrolled) and Medi-Cal card (if enrolled)
• Recent medical records or a physician statement supporting the need for nursing-facility-level care
• List of current medications and providers

Where to apply

Renewals

ongoing (annual re-assessment of nursing-facility-level certification)