The PACE Program — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly — is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides comprehensive, community-based care for frail elderly individuals who would otherwise qualify for nursing-home-level care but wish to remain in their communities.
PACE organizations operate under distinct regulatory rules, including provider-directory accuracy standards set by CMS.
PACE represents a niche but specific segment with distinct needs around provider directories and CMS compliance. For organizations serving PACE programs — or vendors selling directory, compliance, or care-coordination solutions — understanding PACE’s regulatory requirements is essential.
Because PACE organizations must maintain accurate, compliant provider directories, reliable provider data is directly relevant to their operations and to the vendors that support them.
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare and Medicaid program delivering comprehensive, community-based care to frail elderly who would otherwise need nursing-home care. It coordinates all medical and social services through an interdisciplinary team.
PACE eligibility generally requires being 55 or older, living in a PACE service area, and being certified as needing nursing-home-level care while still able to live safely in the community with PACE support. Most enrollees qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
PACE organizations must maintain accurate, up-to-date provider directories that meet CMS standards. Keeping directory data current and compliant is an ongoing operational requirement, which is why reliable provider data matters to PACE organizations.
PACE is funded through combined Medicare and Medicaid payments, typically on a capitated basis, meaning the PACE organization receives a fixed amount to cover all of an enrollee's care. This model incentivizes coordinated, preventive care.