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

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 Yorkers who have both Medicare and Medicaid (or Medicaid only), PACE covers all of it with no out-of-pocket cost. PACE in New York is for people 55 and older who are assessed as needing community-based long-term care for more than 120 days at a nursing-home level of care, who live within a PACE organization's service area, and who can be served safely at home. Participants agree to use only PACE-network providers.

What you'll need

• Proof of New York 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 York 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 York 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 York 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 York, and need community-based long-term care for more than 120 days at a nursing-home level of care. You must also be able to be served safely at home. Call New York Medicaid Choice at 1-888-401-6582 to find out if a PACE plan serves your area.
2. Gather your required documents. You will need: proof of New York residency within a PACE service area; proof of age 55 or older (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate); your Medicare card if you are enrolled; your New York Medicaid card if you are enrolled; recent medical records or a physician statement showing you need nursing-facility-level care; and a list of your current medications and providers.
3. Apply online or by phone. To apply online, use the official apply link on this page. To apply by phone, call New York Medicaid Choice at 1-888-401-6582. Staff can answer questions and help you find a PACE organization near you.
4. Complete the required assessment. A PACE team will conduct an in-person evaluation to confirm that you need nursing-facility-level care for more than 120 days and that you can be safely supported in the community. This step is required before enrollment is finalized.
5. Review and sign your enrollment agreement. Once approved, you will agree to receive all covered care through PACE-network providers. 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 you submit your application, a PACE organization will schedule an assessment to verify your eligibility and care needs — processing times vary, so ask the PACE team or call 1-888-401-6582 for an estimate. If enrolled, New Yorkers with both Medicare and Medicaid (or Medicaid only) pay no out-of-pocket costs for covered services. Enrollment is ongoing, but your nursing-facility-level care certification is reviewed through an annual re-assessment to confirm you continue to meet PACE eligibility requirements. Keep your medical records and provider information up to date so re-assessments go smoothly. Note: PACE requires a formal assessment, active New York Medicaid for $0-cost coverage, and confirmed residency within a PACE service area — this eligibility check cannot verify those factors on your behalf. This walkthrough is not legal or financial advice.

Renewals

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