The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Costs, Cons, and Where to Find Reviews
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is designed to help elderly individuals who need a nursing-home level of care to live independently in their own homes or communities. This comprehensive program offers a wide range of services, but it’s important to understand the costs involved and potential drawbacks before making a decision. Below is an overview of what you can expect if you’re considering PACE.
Price:
- Medicaid-Eligible Participants: For those eligible for Medicaid, PACE is often provided at little to no cost. Medicaid usually covers all or most of the PACE services, and participants may not have to pay a premium for the long-term care portion.
- Medicare-Only Participants: If someone is eligible for Medicare but not Medicaid, they might have to pay monthly premiums for the long-term care portion and Part D drug coverage. However, there are no deductibles or co-pays for services provided by PACE.
- Private Pay: If a participant does not qualify for either Medicare or Medicaid, they may pay for PACE privately. The costs can be significant, and the total amount will vary depending on the PACE provider and location.
Cons of PACE:
- Limited Network: PACE participants must use doctors and other providers who are part of the PACE network. This could limit the participant’s choice of healthcare providers, and they may need to change doctors or specialists if they enroll in PACE.
- Availability: PACE is not available everywhere. The program is only offered in certain areas, so it may not be an option depending on where the person lives.
- Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for PACE, individuals must be 55 or older, live in a PACE service area, be certified by the state to need a nursing-home level of care, and be able to live safely in the community with the support of PACE services.
- Loss of Traditional Medicare/Medicaid Benefits: When enrolling in PACE, participants receive all Medicare and Medicaid services through PACE. This means they cannot use their original Medicare or Medicaid benefits outside the PACE program.
- Comprehensive Approach May Not Suit Everyone: PACE’s all-inclusive care model is very comprehensive, which can be a downside if someone prefers to manage their own care independently or has specific preferences for how their care is delivered.
Overall, PACE is beneficial for those who require substantial medical and personal care but wish to maintain independence. However, potential participants should carefully consider the limitations and costs involved.
Where to Find Objective Reviews of the PACE Program:
Finding objective reviews of the PACE program can be a bit challenging, as it is a specialized program, and reviews are not as widely available as for more common healthcare services. However, you can find objective information and reviews through the following sources:
- Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports occasionally publishes articles and reviews on healthcare services, including programs like PACE. While it may not always have direct reviews, it often provides analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of such programs. Visit their website or search for specific articles related to PACE.
- Medicare.gov: The Medicare.gov website provides detailed information about the PACE program, including participant satisfaction scores and performance data. While it may not offer narrative reviews, the data provided can help you gauge the quality of care in different PACE organizations.
- State Department of Health or Aging Services: Many states have a department that oversees aging services, including the PACE program. They may have reports or consumer feedback available. Contacting your state’s Department of Health or Aging Services could provide you with detailed information and reviews.
- Social Media and Online Forums: Reddit and other online forums often have discussions from participants or caregivers who have experience with the PACE program. Searching for “PACE program reviews” on these platforms might yield firsthand accounts. Be cautious with online forums, as reviews can be subjective, but they often provide valuable insights into personal experiences.
- Eldercare or Aging Websites: Websites like A Place for Mom, Caring.com, and SeniorAdvisor.com may have user reviews or articles discussing PACE. These sites often have both expert reviews and user-generated content. They sometimes allow users to leave feedback about specific PACE providers.
- Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Organizations like the National PACE Association (NPA) or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) might provide objective reports or data on the PACE program. While they may not have user reviews, they often publish objective analyses and research findings.
- Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): AAAs often work closely with PACE programs and may have collected feedback from program participants. Contacting your local AAA might provide access to reviews or more detailed information on the program’s performance in your area.
By exploring these sources, you can gather a balanced perspective on the PACE program from various viewpoints.