The United States House of Representatives unanimously passed the Comprehensive Care for Seniors Act of 2018 (H.R. 6561), which directs the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) final regulation by December 31, 2018. PACE is a model of care that pools Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds to provide support to qualified frail individuals to remain living independently in the community.
Prior regulations, enacted 12 years ago, have become outdated. The new regulations will result in innovations for PACE and are expected to increase the number of programs nationally. Currently, 45,000 individuals are served by 124 programs in 31 states. The National PACE Association (NPA) is supportive of the Comprehensive Care for Seniors Act, and feels its passage will have a positive impact on growing the number of programs and individuals served.
Health Dimensions Group is recognized by NPA as a technical assistance center (TAC), providing consulting services regarding feasibility and start-up, and is well prepared to assist any organizations in exploring PACE as a service option. For more information, visit our website or contact us at 763.537.5700 or info@hdgi1.com.
Authored by: Colin Higgins, Director of Analytics & Research, Health Dimensions Group
