Experts, Report Offer Ways to Supercharge Slow-to-Grow PACE Model
As the U.S. population ages and as payers and providers increasingly embrace home-based care — especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic — a program that one expert calls the “best-kept secret in health care” seems poised to finally have its moment in the sun. However, there are a variety of barriers that need to be tackled in order for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to significantly grow, and recent compliance issues at the largest PACE participant raise questions about the involvement of private equity-owned, for-profit companies.
The PACE model employs comprehensive medical care and social supports to help frail, elderly Americans remain at home when they otherwise would require a nursing home level of care. Eligible enrollees — who never have to pay cost sharing — receive health care services at an adult day center, which is staffed with interdisciplinary care teams and also offers classes, games and other wraparound services.