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

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 New Jerseyans who have both Medicare and Medicaid, PACE covers all of it with no out-of-pocket cost; people without Medicaid can join by paying a monthly premium or privately. As of January 2026, New Jersey expanded PACE to serve residents in all 21 counties. PACE is for people 55 and older who meet clinical (nursing-facility level of care) eligibility, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 basic eligibility before applying. You must be 55 or older, live within a PACE organization's service area in New Jersey, and be certified as needing a nursing-facility level of care. You must also be able to live safely in the community and agree to use PACE-network providers.
2. Gather your required documents. Collect proof of New Jersey residency within a PACE service area, proof of age 55+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), your Medicare card (if enrolled), your New Jersey 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. Contact your county Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) to start the process. Call 1-800-792-8820 or apply online. Staff can confirm whether a PACE organization serves your specific area and walk you through next steps.
4. Complete a clinical assessment. A PACE team will review your medical records and conduct an in-person evaluation to confirm you meet the nursing-facility level of care requirement. This step is required for enrollment.
5. Confirm New Jersey Medicaid enrollment. Medicaid enrollment is needed for $0-cost PACE coverage. If you are not yet enrolled in Medicaid, ask the ADRC or PACE staff how to apply.
6. Enroll with your local PACE organization. Once the clinical assessment is complete and eligibility is confirmed, you will sign an enrollment agreement and begin receiving care through your PACE center.

What to expect: After submitting your application and completing the clinical assessment, the PACE organization will review your eligibility and contact you with a decision. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. If enrolled, the PACE organization becomes your complete medical home — covering primary care, specialists, prescriptions, therapy, dental, vision, mental health, transportation, meals, and adult day services. Enrollment is ongoing, but your nursing-facility-level-of-care certification is re-assessed each year to confirm you still qualify. Keep your documents and medical information up to date to support that annual review. Note that this walkthrough cannot confirm your clinical eligibility or whether a PACE center serves your exact address — contact the ADRC at 1-800-792-8820 to verify both. This is not legal or financial advice.

Renewals

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