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 as needing a nursing-home level of care but want to keep living in the community. A single PACE organization becomes the participant's complete medical home — primary care, specialists, hospital care, prescriptions, physical and occupational therapy, dental, vision, hearing, mental health, transportation to appointments, meals, and adult day care at a PACE center. For Illinoisans who have both Medicare and Medicaid, PACE covers all of it with no out-of-pocket cost. Illinois launched PACE in 2024; designated organizations include OSF HealthCare PACE, Lawndale Christian Health Center (Chicago's West Side), Stella's Place (the Metro-East area), Kinship PACE, and BoldAge PACE. PACE is for people 55 and older who need a nursing-facility level of care, live within a PACE organization's service area, and can be served safely in the community. Participants agree to use only PACE-network providers.

What you'll need

• Proof of Illinois residency within a PACE organization's service area
• Proof of age 55+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Medicare card (if enrolled) and Illinois Medicaid 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)