CAN I GET PACE?

To be eligible for PACE you must meet the following criteria:

• Are age 55 or older
• Live in the service area of a PACE Elder Service Plan organization (see

  below)

• Are able to live safely in the community
• Are certified by the state as eligible for nursing home care

o This usually means that you need assistance with some activities of daily life, like getting dressed or preparing your meals, and that you also have a skilled need, such as physical therapy. A medical professional will evaluate you based on your health status to determine if the PACE program is right for you.

o Though you must be certified to need nursing home care, the large majority of PACE enrollees do not actually reside in nursing homes, but instead receive their care within their own communities.

• Agree to receive health services exclusively through the Elder Service Plan/PACE organization

If you have MassHealth, you must also meet the following income and asset criteria:

• Your countable income must be less than $2130 per month in 2013
• Your countable assets must be no greater than $2000

  Your spouse’s income and assets are not counted. If you have MassHealth and you meet the criteria above, there are no fees for the program.

  If you do not have MassHealth but you do have Medicare, you may have to pay a monthly premium. However, you will not have to pay any copayments, deductibles, or other cost-sharing fees.

  If you don’t have Medicare or MassHealth, you may be able to pay for PACE privately.