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

Who it's for

PACE provides all the medical and supportive care a frail older adult needs to keep living in the community instead of a nursing home — doctors, prescriptions, therapy, adult day care, transportation, and in-home help — coordinated by one team and usually at no cost to people with Medicaid. To join you must be 55 or older, need a nursing-home level of care, be able to live safely in the community, and live in a PACE organization's service area. Michigan has PACE centers across the state.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 55+
• Proof of Michigan residency within a PACE service area
• Medicaid/Medicare information (the PACE organization helps with the Medicaid application)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (Michigan). 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 age 55+, proof of Michigan residency within a PACE service area, medicaid/Medicare information (the PACE organization helps with the Medicaid application) — 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 you meet the basic eligibility rules: you must be 55 or older, require a nursing-facility level of care, live safely in the community (not already in a nursing facility), and live within a participating PACE organization's service area in Michigan.
2. Check that you are not currently enrolled in the MI Choice waiver or a separate HMO, as those programs cannot be combined with PACE.
3. Gather your required documents: proof of age (showing you are 55 or older), proof of Michigan residency within a PACE service area, and your Medicaid and/or Medicare information. If you do not yet have Medicaid, the local PACE organization can help you apply.
4. Contact a local PACE organization or MDHHS to start your application — apply online or call 1-800-642-3195 to get connected to the right PACE center for your area.
5. Complete an assessment with the PACE organization's care team. They will review your medical and care needs to confirm you qualify for a nursing-facility level of care and can safely live in the community.
6. Work with the PACE team to finish any remaining paperwork, including Medicaid enrollment if needed. People with Medicaid typically pay nothing to join; those without Medicaid may have the option to pay privately.
7. Once enrolled, plan to renew your PACE participation annually. The PACE organization will guide you through the renewal process each year.

What to expect: After you submit your application and complete the care assessment, the PACE organization's team will review your eligibility and coordinate any needed Medicaid paperwork. Processing times vary, so ask the PACE organization for an estimate of how long your review may take. If approved, one coordinated care team will manage all of your medical and supportive services — including doctors, prescriptions, therapy, adult day care, transportation, and in-home help — so you can continue living in the community. Enrollment must be renewed annually; the PACE organization will notify you when it is time to renew. Keep in mind that PACE availability depends on your specific location within Michigan, as service areas vary by organization.

Renewals

annual