Medicare has named a St. Louis organization (Alexian Brothers Community Services) as the first provider of comprehensive care for frail elderly people who want to live in their own communities. The new Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is an optional benefit under Medicare and Medicaid for people who are frail enough to meet their state’s standards for nursing home care.
Services are provided elsewhere (generally in an adult day care center) rather than in a nursing home. Thus, frail people covered by Medicare or Medicaid have the opportunity to live at home close to their loved ones, while also receiving the care they need.
The St. Louis pilot program now serves about 120 beneficiaries with an average age of 77. Enrollment is voluntary; to participate, a person must live in the area and be certified as eligible for nursing home care. Those enrolled in PACE may have to pay a monthly premium, depending on their eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid. You can expect to see the concept spread around the country as more elderly Americans reach the nursing home stage of their lives.