WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) have introduced the bipartisan PACE Anytime Act to broaden access to the PACE program. This initiative aims to provide thousands of lower-income seniors and people with disabilities with comprehensive care.
PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, offers a fully integrated care model. It includes medical and dental care, meals, nutritional counseling, occupational and physical therapy, prescription drugs, social services, and transportation. The program mainly operates through adult day health centers, enabling individuals to stay in their homes and communities.
Currently, eligible seniors and people with disabilities can only enroll in PACE on the first of every month. The PACE Anytime Act aims to remove this barrier, allowing enrollment at any time during the month.
“PACE programs allow seniors and people with disabilities to receive all of their essential care while remaining in their communities,” said Chairman Casey. “While the PACE program provides high-quality, comprehensive care, limited opportunities to enroll have made the program unnecessarily difficult to access. My new bill will make it much easier to enroll in the PACE program and give seniors and people with disabilities the flexibility to receive the care they need.”
Ranking Member Braun echoed this sentiment. “Older Americans should be able to receive the care they need in their communities without cumbersome barriers,” he said. “The PACE Anytime Act would increase flexibility for low-income seniors and people with disabilities to enroll in the PACE Program.”
The PACE program integrates Medicare and Medicaid long-term care for low-income seniors and people with disabilities aged 55 and up. Its interdisciplinary approach allows nearly 70,000 Americans across 32 states and the District of Columbia to remain in their homes, where they prefer to live. PACE provides health care and supportive services, such as adult day services, transportation, and medication management, for some of the most medically complex individuals.
Enrollment in a PACE program has shown to reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits and lessen the caregiver burden for family members. The PACE Anytime Act aims to make these benefits more accessible, enhancing the quality of life for many seniors and disabled individuals.
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