Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced legislation to expand access to PACE (Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). PACE is designed to help the elderly live independently and stay out of inpatient environments. Patients receive care at home, as well as relying on their PACE center for some medical services (including transportation) as well as social activities.
The proposed PACE Plus Act would increase the number of people who are eligible to receive PACE services, as well as offer more funding through federal grants and state-level incentives. Theoretically, the bill would also reduce the administrative burden for providers.
Home-based care solutions have gained a lot of traction since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Nursing home” has become a dirty phrase among many patients and family members after a year of constant negative media coverage. The American Rescue Plan Act (the most recent COVID-19 stimulus/relief bill) included a bump in funding to meet this new demand. In addition, President Biden’s proposed infrastructure bill includes $400 billion for more home care initiatives.
For more information about PACE, click here to visit CMS’ PACE webpage.