What is PACE and how is it different from Pennsylvania PACE?

What this means

• Federal PACE serves people 55 and older who need a nursing home level of care but can live safely in the community with support. It covers doctors, therapy, prescriptions, adult day services, transportation and home care through one organization.
• Federal PACE only exists where a PACE organization operates, so it is available in some counties and not others.
• Pennsylvania PACE and its companion PACENET are prescription assistance programs for Pennsylvania residents 65 and older, funded by the state lottery, and they help with drug costs only.
• Neither program is a Medicare drug plan, but Pennsylvania PACE works alongside one.

What to do first

1. If you want all-in-one care at home, look at the federal PACE program record on this site and use the Medicare PACE plan finder to see whether a PACE organization serves your county.
2. If you live in Pennsylvania and the problem is drug costs, look at the Pennsylvania PACE and PACENET program record and apply through the state.
3. You can do both: a Pennsylvania resident can use PACENET for drug costs and separately explore federal PACE for care.
4. Ask a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor which one fits your situation before you enroll in either.

What you'll need

• Proof of address
• Medical records
• Medicare and Medicaid cards
• Proof of state residency
• Medicare card
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency
• Prior year income information
• Proof of age
• Prior year income
• Financial information if applying for Medicaid at the same time

Where to go

• PACE: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/pace
• Pennsylvania PACE and PACENET Prescription Assistance: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging
• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs