Most seniors have never heard of the PACE program — and that’s a costly gap in knowledge. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a comprehensive Medicare and Medicaid benefit that provides everything from doctor visits and medications to dental care and home assistance — often at little or no cost to qualifying seniors. If you or a loved one is managing multiple chronic conditions while trying to stay out of a nursing home, the PACE program in 2026 may be the most valuable benefit you’re not using.
What Is the PACE Program in 2026?
PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is a joint Medicare and Medicaid program that provides a comprehensive bundle of health and social services to seniors who would otherwise qualify for nursing home care — but who prefer to remain living in the community. According to Medicare.gov, PACE becomes your sole Medicare and Medicaid provider, covering virtually all your medical and personal care needs through a coordinated team approach.
PACE is built around PACE centers — adult day health facilities where participants go regularly (usually several days per week) to receive medical care, therapies, social activities, meals, and support. Transportation to and from the PACE center is provided. In addition, PACE sends caregivers, nurses, and therapists directly to your home when needed. It is, in essence, a nursing home’s level of care delivered in your community and your home.
Who Is Eligible for PACE in 2026?
PACE has clear eligibility requirements that have remained consistent in 2026. You must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Age 55 or older
- Live in a PACE service area — as of April 2026, PACE operates in 33 states and Washington D.C.
- Require a nursing home level of care — meaning you need significant help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating, or continence
- Be able to live safely in the community with the support PACE provides
- Enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or both — or willing to pay privately
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), your PACE cost is typically zero — no premium, no copay, no deductible for any covered service. If you have only Medicare, a monthly premium applies for the Medicaid-covered long-term care portion, but Medicare Part D premiums for drugs are waived. If you’re not eligible for Medicaid but meet income thresholds, you may pay a sliding-scale private fee.
What Does PACE Cover? The Complete 2026 Benefit List
PACE covers an extraordinary range of services — far more comprehensive than standard Medicare alone. Here is what the PACE program covers in 2026:
| Service Category | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Medical Care | Primary care, specialist visits, emergency care, hospital care |
| Prescription Drugs | All medications covered — no Part D gap or copays |
| Dental | Routine and emergency dental — not covered by standard Medicare |
| Vision | Eye exams, eyeglasses — enhanced beyond standard Medicare |
| Hearing | Hearing exams and hearing aids |
| Mental Health | Psychiatric and counseling services |
| Physical/Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation services at the center or at home |
| Home Care | Home health aides, personal care attendants |
| Nutrition | Meals at the PACE center, nutritional counseling |
| Social Services | Social work, caregiver support, activity programs |
| Transportation | Rides to the PACE center and medical appointments |
| Respite Care | Short-term care to give family caregivers a break |
Notably, PACE covers dental and hearing care — two major gaps in standard Medicare that leave millions of seniors with unmet needs and substantial out-of-pocket costs. The fact that Medicaid.gov confirms PACE covers these at no cost to dual-eligible participants makes it one of the most comprehensive senior benefit programs in the United States.
How Is PACE Funded? Why It Costs You Little or Nothing
PACE operates on a capitated payment model — Medicare and Medicaid each pay the PACE organization a fixed monthly amount per participant, covering all the participant’s care needs. Because PACE assumes full financial risk, it has a strong incentive to keep participants healthy, prevent hospitalizations, and manage chronic diseases proactively. This model is why participants typically pay nothing — the government funding covers the full cost of care.
The contrast with traditional Medicare is stark. Under Original Medicare, a senior managing multiple chronic conditions typically pays $283 Part B deductible, 20% coinsurance for every service, plus separate Part D drug costs and out-of-pocket dental and vision. A PACE participant with both Medicare and Medicaid pays $0 for all of this combined.
New 2026 Development: Medicaid Expansion for Assisted Living
In May 2026, a new bill introduced in the House of Representatives (sponsored by Representative Max Miller of Ohio) would broaden Medicaid to cover services provided in assisted living settings for low-income older adults — provided the cost does not exceed nursing home care costs. While this bill differs from PACE, it reflects a growing legislative momentum to keep seniors in community-based care rather than institutional settings. Seniors who currently use PACE or are considering it should watch this development, as it may expand options in states where PACE doesn’t yet operate.
PACE vs. Medicare Advantage: Key Differences
Some seniors wonder how PACE compares to a Medicare Advantage plan. They are fundamentally different:
- PACE requires nursing-home-level care needs; Medicare Advantage is available to any Medicare enrollee.
- PACE provides care coordination through a dedicated team; Medicare Advantage uses a network of independent providers.
- PACE covers dental, vision, hearing, home care, and transportation comprehensively; Medicare Advantage coverage varies by plan.
- PACE is the only option in its service area (you cannot have other Medicare/Medicaid coverage while in PACE); Medicare Advantage is one of many plan options.
- PACE replaces all Medicare and Medicaid coverage; Medicare Advantage replaces only Medicare Part A and B.
How to Find a PACE Program Near You in 2026
PACE is available in 33 states and Washington D.C. as of 2026. To find a PACE organization serving your area:
- Visit Medicare.gov and search “PACE” in the health plans section — you can search by ZIP code.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask about PACE programs in your area.
- Contact your State Medicaid office — they maintain a list of certified PACE organizations in your state.
- Ask your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or social worker for a PACE referral — many seniors learn about PACE during a hospital stay when discharge planners identify it as an option.
- Visit the National PACE Association at npaonline.org for a provider directory and eligibility screening tool.
5 Reasons Seniors Should Consider PACE in 2026
- Stay out of a nursing home. PACE is specifically designed to provide nursing-home-level care while letting you stay in your own home or community setting — which most seniors strongly prefer.
- Get dental and hearing care covered. These are major Medicare gaps that cost seniors thousands per year. PACE covers them at no cost for dual-eligible participants.
- Never worry about prescription costs. All medications are covered with no Part D deductible, no coverage gap, and no copays for dual-eligible PACE participants.
- Receive coordinated care from one team. A PACE interdisciplinary team — physician, nurse, physical therapist, social worker, and more — coordinates all your care. No more navigating between disconnected providers.
- Give family caregivers relief. Transportation to the PACE center, day programs, and respite care services take significant burden off family members who would otherwise provide round-the-clock support.
Related Articles You May Find Helpful
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- Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare 2026: Which Is Right for You?
- Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Stays in 2026? SNF Guide
- Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care in 2026? Complete Guide
Sources: Medicare.gov — PACE | Medicaid.gov — PACE | NCOA