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

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 seniors who have both Medicare and Florida Medicaid, PACE replaces those benefits as one program with no out-of-pocket cost. PACE in Florida is operated by nonprofit organizations in designated service areas across the state; participants must be 55 or older, live within a PACE organization's service area, be able to live safely in the community at enrollment, and agree to use only PACE-network providers. For the Medicaid portion, Florida applies its long-term-care (ICP) financial standard to PACE: monthly income up to $2,982 for one person ($5,964 for a couple) and countable assets up to $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple), April 2026 figures.

What you'll need

• Proof of Florida 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 Florida 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

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 Florida 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 Florida Medicaid 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 organization's service area in Florida. Not all Florida counties have a PACE site. Call the Florida Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 or contact a local PACE organization to check your area.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of Florida residency within a PACE service area, proof of age 55 or older (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), your Medicare card (if enrolled) and Florida Medicaid 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 the Florida Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 to apply by phone or get help finding the PACE organization in your area.
4. Complete the nursing-facility-level-of-care assessment. A care team will review your medical records and may conduct an in-person evaluation to certify that you meet this requirement.
5. Work with the PACE organization to confirm Florida Medicaid enrollment. Medicaid enrollment is needed for $0-cost PACE coverage. Staff can help guide you through this step if you are not yet enrolled.
6. Agree to use PACE-network providers. When you enroll, the PACE organization becomes your complete medical home for primary care, specialists, prescriptions, therapy, dental, vision, mental health, transportation, meals, and adult day services.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the PACE organization will review your documents and schedule a level-of-care assessment to certify that you need nursing-facility-level care. Processing times vary, so ask the PACE organization for an estimate of how long enrollment may take. Once enrolled, PACE replaces your Medicare and Florida Medicaid benefits as one integrated program with no out-of-pocket cost, and all your care is coordinated through your PACE team. Enrollment is ongoing, but your nursing-facility-level-of-care certification is reviewed annually to confirm you still meet that requirement. If your needs or living situation change, notify your PACE organization right away. Note: this walkthrough cannot confirm your level-of-care certification or whether a PACE site serves your exact county — always verify eligibility details directly with a PACE organization or the Florida Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337. This is not legal or financial advice.

Renewals

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