Yes, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a permanent Medicare program and an optional state Medicaid benefit. No, Alzheimer's alone does not qualify a person; they must meet care and safety rules and live in a PACE service area.
Medicaid.gov explains in its PACE overview that states may elect PACE to cover Medicaid payment and benefits for frail elders in the community. That state choice protects the benefit where it operates. It does not make PACE automatic everywhere.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Official resources:
- https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/elder-service-plan-lynn-mass-approved-health-care-program-frail-elderly — Use this page to review requirements and register directly.
- https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/long-term-services-supports/program-of-all-inclusive-care-for-elderly — Use this page to check the study’s participation requirements.
Table of Contents
- What does protected mean here?
- Who with Alzheimer's can enroll?
- What care does one team manage?
- What if PACE is not offered near you?
What does protected mean here?
Federal rules published by CMS state in the PACE agreement rules that CMS may sign a PACE agreement only in a state with an approved plan amendment electing PACE. The amendment makes PACE part of that state's Medicaid plan. The protection applies after the state opts in.
For families, this means funding and benefits follow a defined contract, not a pilot. It also means rights and access depend on state action. A move across state lines can change access.
Who with Alzheimer's can enroll?
A dementia diagnosis helps explain need, but it does not decide eligibility by itself. The person must still meet nursing-facility level of care and be able to live safely in the community at enrollment. Medicaid.gov lists these functional tests as separate from diagnosis.
Check these four enrollment points: Dementia is common in PACE when those tests are met. The National PACE Association reports in its March 2026 infographic that about 46–49% of participants have dementia. That share shows many Alzheimer's patients use PACE after meeting functional rules.
- Age 55 or older
- State certifies nursing-facility level of care
- Lives in the PACE service area
- Can live safely in the community when joining
What care does one team manage?
Oklahoma's Medicaid agency explains that PACE groups receive fixed monthly payments from Medicare and Medicaid. The amount does not rise with each visit. This capitation funds coordinated care for each enrollee.
The PACE group must furnish all Medicare- and Medicaid-covered care plus other team-approved services. One interdisciplinary team plans and delivers the care. Families work with that team rather than separate providers.
What if PACE is not offered near you?
CMS reported PACE operating in 33 states plus D.C. in 2026.
A state without PACE has no local program to join. Even in a PACE state, address matters because each group serves a set area. Take these steps before making plans: Do not leave current doctors until enrollment is confirmed, because enrollees must receive care through the PACE team.
- Ask your state Medicaid office if PACE is a state benefit
- Ask local PACE groups if your address is in their area
- Request a level-of-care assessment and a safety review
