Act Aims to Strengthen Elder Care
HR 10547 would support expansion of PACE programs
By Meg Herndon
United States Reps. Debbie Dingell and John Moolenaar introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
The PACE Improvement Act (HR 10547) would support the expansion of current PACE programs and facilitate the establishment of new ones by giving PACE programs greater flexibility to enroll beneficiaries throughout the year, remove limitations on when entities may apply to become PACE organizations, make PACE a mandatory service under Medicaid, address outdated limitations and unnecessary constraints on the potential for the growth and expansion of PACE organizations and more.
Background
PACE is a model of care that integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for eligible beneficiaries. It provides comprehensive medical and social services to seniors and individuals living with disabilities that enable them to live in their homes and communities rather than receiving care in an institutional setting. Congresswoman Dingell, a co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus and the 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus, and Congressman Moolenaar first introduced legislation on PACE in 2023.
Voices of Support
The legislation is supported by the National Pace Association, PACE of Southeast Michigan, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Association on Health and Disability, CommunicationFIRST, Community Catalyst, Lakeshore Foundation, LeadingAge, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Disability Rights Network and Village to Village Network.
From the Sponsors
"The PACE model has been successful in helping seniors and Americans with disabilities age and live with dignity,” said Dingell. “As the third-largest PACE state, Michigan’s PACE providers deliver critical long-term services for individuals wishing to remain in their homes. But too many Americans continue to sit on waitlists to receive home and community-based services. We must do more to ensure Americans have the option to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. With this bipartisan bill, we can put these long-term supports in reach for those who need them the most.”
“Michigan seniors should have more choices when it comes to receiving the care they need, including the option to receive homecare,” said Moolenaar. “This is especially true in rural communities where long-term care options can be limited. This bipartisan legislation expands access to the PACE program, cuts unnecessary red tape and gives more seniors the opportunity to receive high-quality care closer to home. I am proud to support this commonsense bill and will continue working to strengthen care for seniors across our state.”
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