If you or a loved one is worried about the possibility of needing to move into a nursing home, South Florida’s PACE program, Florida PACE Centers, could be the solution you’re looking for. The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a federally funded Medicare and Medicaid benefit that works as an alternative to nursing home care by providing comprehensive, coordinated healthcare and other services that help you stay healthy in the place you call home, without needing to enter a nursing home.
Many people find their own homes to be a more comfortable and affordable living arrangement than moving to a long-term care facility. Florida PACE Centers provides a variety of health and social care services so older adults can continue living in their communities. PACE services are delivered by an interdisciplinary team that includes primary care physicians, specialists (like dentists, optometrists, etc.) nurses, physical and occupational therapists, recreational therapists, social workers and more who work together to coordinate all aspects of care, not just medical needs.
What Services are Available Through PACE?
The interdisciplinary PACE team works with seniors and their families to develop a personal care plan and coordinate a variety of services that enable independent living, such as:
- Adult day care with therapeutic & recreational services
- Meals and nutritional counseling
- Personalized primary care from Florida PACE Center physicians and nurses
- Dental, optometry, audiology, podiatry and psychiatric specialty care
- Prescription drugs, medical equipment, and medication management
- In-home services, including installation of safety or medical equipment
- Transportation to and from your local FPC and any other medical appointments.
- Physical, speech, and occupational therapy to improve daily functionality and independent living
- and more
Instead of living in a nursing home, South Florida PACE participants simply visit their local Florida PACE Center Adult Day Health center to see their doctors and receive most PACE services. Depending on their needs, participants can also receive services at home.
What Does PACE cost?
Florida PACE Centers is covered by Medicaid and Medicare for eligible individuals. It is also available on a private pay basis.
If you have Medicaid only, or are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may receive care from Florida PACE Centers at no cost. If you are eligible only for Medicare, you would pay a monthly premium – which is often significantly less than the monthly cost of a nursing home. If you are eligible for PACE, but don’t have either Medicaid or Medicare, you can pay for your PACE benefits from your own financial resources.
Who is Eligible for Florida PACE Centers?
You may enroll in Florida PACE Centers if you meet the following requirements:
- You are 55 years or older.
- You live within eligible zip codes (View PDF).
- You meet the nursing home level of care requirements of the Department of Elder Affairs.
- You are able to live safely in the community with the support of Florida PACE Center services.
With Florida PACE Centers, older adults and their families don’t have to worry about moving to a nursing home or managing their health care on their own. Instead, they can focus on living independently in the home and community they love for as long as possible. If you or a loved one is interested in PACE, visit floridaPACEcenters.org to learn more and begin the enrollment process.
