Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) have announced the introduction of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Illinois. This initiative aims to provide seniors with more options for community-based care, offering an alternative to traditional nursing home facilities. The program is designed for adults aged 55 and older who qualify for nursing home care but can safely live at home.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of community living for elders, stating, "The PACE program is an innovative model that delivers a much-needed alternative to traditional nursing facility care." Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton added, "PACE is a major step in uplifting the care and wellbeing of Illinois seniors."

PACE integrates services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, offering flexibility to meet individual health needs while allowing seniors to remain in their communities. Services include care planning, therapies, medications, mental health support, and hospital care if needed. The program also funds nursing facility care when necessary.

Eligibility criteria require participants to be at least 55 years old, reside in designated service areas, and meet state standards for nursing home care while being able to live safely in the community.

HFS has selected eight organizations across five service areas: West Chicago, South Chicago, Southern Cook County, Peoria, and East St. Louis. These organizations will partner with federal entities to provide services once they complete stringent applications.

State Rep. LaToya Greenwood remarked on the impact of PACE: "By creating an alternative to nursing home care that will allow seniors to continue living safely in the community while receiving the care they need, this program will make for better health outcomes." State Rep. Thaddeus Jones noted that it represents progress toward a more inclusive healthcare system.

State Sen. Dave Koehler highlighted PACE's benefits: "The option to continue living safely in the community will greatly enhance the quality of life for Illinois seniors who enroll in the program."

Theresa Eagleson from HFS stated that PACE would offer holistic healthcare tailored geographically: "We are proud to be working to offer another incredible choice for care."

Services are expected to begin in fiscal year 2024 as Illinois joins 31 other states with operational PACE programs serving approximately 60,000 participants nationwide.