PACE is a Medicare program and Medicaid state option that gives community-based care and services to people 55 or older who otherwise would need to get their care in a nursing home. PACE was created to give you, your family, caregivers, and professional health care providers the flexibility to meet your health care needs and help you to continue living in the community.With PACE, a team of health care professionals will give you the coordinated care you need. Theyll work together with you and your family (as appropriate) to develop an effective plan of care.PACE provides all the care and services Medicare, and Medicaid covers. To meet your individual needs, they also cover additional medically necessary care and services not covered by Medicare and Medicaid that the team may decide you need. PACE provides coverage for prescription drugs, doctor care, transportation, home care, checkups, hospital visits, and nursing home stays when necessary.You can join PACE if you meet these conditions: Youre 55 or older You live in the service area of a PACE organization Youre certified by the state as needing a nursing home level of care Youd be able to live safely in the community with the help of PACE servicesWhat do I need to know about PACE?: PACE organizations support your family members and other caregivers to help families keep their loved ones in the community. PACE organizations provide care and services in the PACE center, the home, PACE clinic and contracts with many specialists and other providers in the community to make sure you get the care you need. Preventive care is covered and encouraged.What you pay for PACE depends on your financial situationIf you have Medicaid, you wont have to pay a monthly premium for the PACE benefit. If you dont qualify for Medicaid but you have Medicare, youll be charged a monthly premium to cover the PACE benefit and Medicare drug coverage. However, in PACE, theres never a deductible or copayment for any drug, service, or care approved by the PACE team. Editors Note: This article was submitted by HopeWest and is taken from Quick Facts about Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) published at www.medicare.govHopeWest PACE opened in October 2021 and provides services in Mesa County. Learn more by visiting HopeWestPACE.org or calling (970) 255-7223