PACE programs in California can be an important option for older adults who need coordinated medical care, supportive services, transportation planning, and help staying safely in the community. PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.
This guide is for California seniors, caregivers, families, case managers, and healthcare providers who want to understand what PACE is, what to verify, and how to compare it with Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Medi-Cal, home health, and in-home support options.
Quick answer
PACE may help some eligible older adults receive coordinated medical and social services while continuing to live in the community. In general, a person must be at least 55, live in a PACE service area, need a nursing-home level of care as certified by the state, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Details, costs, provider access, and enrollment rules must be confirmed directly with the PACE organization and official Medicare or Medi-Cal resources.
What PACE means for California families
PACE is different from simply choosing a doctor or comparing one insurance card with another. It is a coordinated care model that can involve a care team, primary care, specialist coordination, prescription review, therapy, transportation, adult day services, social support, and in-home support planning. The exact mix depends on the person, the PACE organization, and current program rules.
When a PACE conversation may be worth having
A PACE conversation may be worth having when a senior has complex care needs, frequent appointments, transportation challenges, medication coordination needs, caregiver stress, or safety concerns at home. It can also be useful after a hospital stay, when family members are trying to understand whether the current care plan is enough.
PACE planning checklist
| Topic | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Service area | Confirm the senior address is inside the current PACE service area before comparing details. |
| Care needs | Ask what nursing-home-level-care review means and who certifies it in the state process. |
| Doctors and specialists | Confirm primary care, specialist access, referrals, and whether current doctors can continue. |
| Medications | Review the full medication list before making any enrollment decision. |
| Costs and coverage | Ask how Medicare, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, or private-pay status affects cost and coverage. |
What to gather before comparing PACE programs
- Current doctor, specialist, pharmacy, and medication lists.
- Recent hospital, emergency room, rehabilitation, or home health history.
- Transportation barriers, caregiver availability, and home safety concerns.
- Current Medicare, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, or Medicare Advantage information.
- Questions about day-center visits, in-home support, and urgent care after hours.
How All Seniors Foundation can help
All Seniors Foundation provides free senior-support guidance for qualifying older adults, caregivers, and families in Los Angeles County and throughout California planning conversations. We can help organize questions, compare care options, and prepare for calls with PACE organizations, Medicare resources, Medi-Cal resources, or other senior-support programs. Call (818) 581-4101 for help getting organized.
Related Medicare Help pages
- who qualifies for PACE in California
- PACE vs. Medicare Advantage in California
- PACE for caregivers in California
- how to enroll in PACE in California
- PACE service areas in California
- Medicare and Medi-Cal help in California
- AltaMed PACE in Los Angeles and Orange County
- ConcertoCare PACE in Los Angeles
- MyPlace Health PACE in Los Angeles
Official PACE resources
For general federal information, review Medicare.gov PACE information and CMS PACE information. For any specific senior, confirm service area, eligibility, costs, providers, enrollment timing, and coverage effects directly with the PACE organization and official Medicare or Medi-Cal resources.
PACE Programs in California – Complete Guide questions
What does PACE stand for?
PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is a coordinated care model for certain older adults who meet program and service-area requirements.
Is PACE available everywhere in California?
No. PACE is service-area based. A senior must live in a PACE organization service area, and service areas can vary by program.
Is PACE the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. PACE and Medicare Advantage are different models. Families should compare provider access, services, costs, transportation, prescriptions, and enrollment effects before making any change.
Can All Seniors Foundation choose a PACE program for me?
No. All Seniors Foundation can help organize questions and compare options, but the senior, family, official agencies, and the PACE organization must confirm eligibility and enrollment details.
Where can I get official PACE information?
Start with Medicare.gov and CMS PACE information, then confirm local details directly with the PACE organization and any applicable Medicare or Medi-Cal resources.
Important: This page is educational and is not medical, legal, financial, insurance, or enrollment advice. Benefits, eligibility, service areas, costs, provider access, and enrollment rules can change. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.