House Passes Legislation to Increase PACE Availability by Mandating Final Rule

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Comprehensive Care for Seniors Act, reports the National PACE Association . The measure directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) final regulation by the end of the year. PACE combines Medicare, Medicaid, and private funding to provide a community-based option for individuals who qualify for a nursing community level of care. An interdisciplinary team of providers coordinates and delivers person-centered care in the home, the PACE center, and other community settings. Currently, 124 PACE organizations operate more than 250 PACE centers in 31 states. Over 45,000 individuals are enrolled in PACE. The updated PACE regulations are expected to facilitate the process of PACE organizations contracting with community primary care providers, customize the interdisciplinary team for each enrollee, and streamline the delivery of services outside the enrollee's home or PACE center. A companion bill to the House legislation was introduced in the Senate on Aug. 1.