Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

What is PACE?

PACE stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is an innovative Medicare program that provides frail individuals age 55 and older comprehensive medical and social services coordinated and provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals. The services are provided in a community-based center and in their homes, helping program participants delay or avoid long-term nursing home care.

Each participant receives customized care that is planned and delivered by a coordinated, interdisciplinary team of professionals working at the center. The team meets regularly with each participant and his or her representative to assess their needs. A participant's care plan usually integrates some home care services from the team with several visits each week to the PACE center, which serves as the hub for medical care, rehabilitation, social activities, and dining.

The PACE model was developed in San Francisco in the 1970s as ON LOK, the Chinese American community’s alternative to nursing home placement. It was formally established by CMS as a permanent Medicare Advantage option in 1997.

Who is eligible to participate in PACE?

To participate in PACE, an individual must be 55 years of age or older, require nursing home level of care but be able to live safely in the community at time of enrollment with the services of PACE, and reside in the service area of a PACE organization. Participants may disenroll from the program at any time and for any reason and those with Medicare or Medicaid who disenroll will be assisted in returning to their former health care coverage.

What services are provided through PACE?

PACE provides its participants with all services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, without the limitations normally imposed by these programs. It also provides any other services deemed necessary by the interdisciplinary team that would allow program participants to remain in the community. Services provided by PACE include, but are not limited to, primary care (including doctor, dental and nursing services), prescription drugs, adult day health care, home and personal care services, nutrition services, and hospital and nursing home care if and when needed. Transportation to and from the center and all off-site medical appointments is also provided.

Who pays for PACE?

PACE organizations receive a set amount of Medicare and Medicaid funds each month to ensure participant care, whether services are provided in the home, community or in a nursing home setting. This capitated funding arrangement rewards providers who are flexible and creative in providing high quality care and gives them the ability to coordinate care across settings and medical disciplines. The program also accepts participants who pay privately.

Is PACE available in my community?

PACE Coverage Area Zip Codes

DSHS currently contracts with Providence PACE, International Community Health Services (ICHS) and PNW PACE Partners (PNW PACE) to administer the PACE program. There are nine PACE centers in Washington state.

You must live in their coverage area (see zip codes) to participate.

Providence PACE Seattle
4515 Martin Luther King Jr Way S
Seattle, WA 98108

Providence PACE West Seattle
4831 35th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98126

Providence PACE Renton
350 South 38th Court
Renton, WA 98055

Providence PACE Kent
1404 Central Ave. S
Kent, WA 98032

Providence PACE Redmond
8632 160th Ave. NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Providence PACE Spokane
6018 N. Astor
Spokane, WA 98208

Providence PACE Everett South
1615 75th Street SW
Everett, WA 98203

International Community Health Services
ICHS PACE at Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center
939 Golf Dr S
Seattle, WA 98144

PNW PACE Partners
6442 S. Yakima Ave
Tacoma, WA 98408

How do I get more information on PACE?

For information on the PACE program and enrollment, contact:

For Washington State policy and contract information, please email: PACE@dshs.wa.gov.

Additional information can also be found on the National PACE Association website or the CMS website.

How do I become a PACE contractor in Washington?

Organizations should understand and complete the following general steps presented in the “How do I become a PACE contractor in Washington” document found below under Resources. 

All current WA PACE entities seeking to expand, either an existing county service area or into a new county, must submit the following:

  • Letter of Intent – see “Letter of Intent” document below under Resources
  • Map of Service area
  • Market feasibility study – see “Market Feasibility Study” below under Resources

Resources

For more information about the PACE Program, please email PACE@dshs.wa.gov.