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

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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that you live within a PACE service area in California and that you are age 55 or older.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of California residency within a PACE service area, proof of age (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), your Medicare card (if enrolled), your Medi-Cal card (if enrolled), recent medical records or a physician statement supporting the need for nursing-facility-level care, and a list of your current medications and providers.
3. Apply online through the official PACE application portal or call 1-855-921-PACE to apply by phone or ask questions.
4. Work with the PACE organization to complete an assessment confirming that you meet the nursing-facility-level care requirement for enrollment.
5. Review and sign your enrollment agreement, which means you agree to receive all covered care through PACE-network providers going forward.

What to expect: After submitting your application, a PACE organization will contact you to schedule an in-person assessment to verify your eligibility, including your need for nursing-facility-level care. Processing times vary, so ask the PACE organization for an estimate when you apply. Once enrolled, PACE becomes your complete medical home — covering all care listed in the program at no out-of-pocket cost if you have both Medicare and full-scope Medi-Cal. Enrollment is ongoing, but your nursing-facility-level care certification is re-assessed every year. Be sure to complete that annual re-assessment to maintain your PACE benefits.

Renewals

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