PACE Outcomes and Effectiveness Data to Share with Community Referral Partners & Legislators
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is more than just a healthcare model; it’s a game-changer for high-risk older adults and a compelling story of innovation in care delivery.
Dive into these key findings to see how PACE continues to redefine healthcare for older adults and unlock untapped potential for growth and differentiation in the healthcare landscape.
| Key Benefit | Summary | Impact & Source Document |
|---|---|---|
| Longer Lives | High-risk participants live longer | Coordinated care model supports longevity. Wieland, D., et al., The Journals of Gerontology, 2010 |
| Happier Participants | 80% decrease in depression symptoms after 9 months | Holistic support improves mental health and emotional stability. Changes in Mood in New Enrollees at a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly |
| Live Safely at Home | 96% of PACE participants live independently or with family, not in a "facility." | Supports independence and quality of life outside of institutional settings. National PACE Association, DataPACE3 2021 Benchmarking Report |
| Caregivers Have More Support | High stress among caregivers dropped from 48% to 17% after PACE enrollment | Reduces stress and improves quality of life for caregivers. Vital Research, PACE’s Impact on Caregiver Burden, 2021 |
| High Satisfaction, Few Leave | 95% of caregivers recommend PACE; a low 7% disenrollment rate among enrolled participants | High satisfaction with care quality and support. Temkin-Greener, H., et al., Medical Care, 2006 |
| Complete, Personalized Care | Interdisciplinary team delivers coordinated, proactive care | Supports health, independence, and well-being. Boult, C., Wieland, G.D., JAMA, 2010 |
| Effective Preventive Care | PACE participants receive better preventive care (e.g., flu shots, screenings) that reduces health risks | Prevents serious health issues before they escalate. Leavitt, M., Interim Report to Congress, 2009 |
| Engaging Activities and Friendship | 96% satisfaction in recreational therapy for activity variety and social value | Helps participants stay active, connected, and engaged. National PACE Association, DataPACE3 2021 Benchmarking Report |
| Fewer Hospital Visits | 24% fewer hospitalizations compared to traditional Medicaid nursing home care | Proactive management reduces emergency interventions. National PACE Association, PACE in the States, August 2024 |
| Cost Savings for Medicaid and Medicare | 12% lower costs for Medicaid vs. other long-term care options | Efficient care model that reduces taxpayer expenses. National PACE Association, Analysis of PACE Upper Payment Limits and Capitation Rates, 2021 |
| Lower COVID-19 Infection | PACE participants had one-third of COVID cases and deaths compared to nursing home residents | Protective care model in emergencies. PACE Organizations Flip the Script in Response to COVID-19 |
More Details
Category 1: Health Outcomes
1. Reduced Hospitalizations and Better Health Management
Key Finding: PACE’s integrated care model reduces hospitalizations by 24% compared to traditional Medicaid nursing home care, showing its success in managing complex health conditions proactively to avoid emergency interventions. The team-based approach ensures that participants receive timely care, reducing the need for hospitalization.
Sources:
- National PACE Association, "PACE in the States, August 2024" – https://www.npaonline.org
- Friedman, S., et al. (2005). Characteristics predicting nursing home admission in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. The Gerontologist, 45(2), 157-166 – https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/45/2/157/609005
2. Effective Preventive Care Reduces Health Risks
Key Finding: PACE emphasizes preventive care, including regular screenings and vaccinations, which contribute to lower rates of preventable health issues and infections. For example, PACE participants received better preventive care (e.g., flu shots, vision and hearing screenings) than those in comparable home and community-based services. This preventive focus is a key factor in PACE’s effectiveness, as it proactively addresses health risks before they escalate.
Source: Leavitt, M. (2009). Interim report to Congress: The quality and cost of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – https://www.congress.gov/reports
3. Longevity for High-Risk Populations
Key Finding: A South Carolina study found that, despite being older and having higher health risks, PACE participants had better long-term survival rates compared to those in alternative care settings. This survival advantage underscores the importance of PACE’s coordinated and supportive approach, especially for participants with high health risks.
Source: Wieland, D., et al. (2010). Five-year survival in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly compared with alternative institutional and home- and community-based care. The Journals of Gerontology, 65(7), 721-726 – https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/65/7/721/570745
Category 2: Quality of Life
1. High Rates of Independent Living
Key Finding: Although all PACE participants qualify for nursing home care, 96% remain living in their communities due to the extensive support provided. This reflects the effectiveness of PACE in enabling participants to maintain independence and quality of life at home rather than in institutions, which is often their preference.
Source: DataPACE3 2021 Benchmarking Report, National PACE Association – https://www.npaonline.org
2. Reduction in Depression Among New Enrollees
Key Finding: PACE provides social and emotional support that has proven effective in reducing depression. A study found that 80% of participants who initially screened as depressed no longer showed symptoms after nine months in PACE. This improvement highlights the program’s holistic care model, addressing not just medical but also emotional well-being.
Source: Changes in Mood in New Enrollees at a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – [Link not publicly available, reference study in NPA resources]
Category 3: Participant and Caregiver Satisfaction
1. High Satisfaction and Low Disenrollment Rates
Key Finding: With a disenrollment rate of just 7%, PACE participants and caregivers report high satisfaction with the care provided, often praising the program’s personalized approach and responsiveness. This low disenrollment rate signals that participants receive consistent support that meets their evolving needs.
Source: Temkin-Greener, H., et al. (2006). Disenrollment from an acute/long-term managed care program (PACE). Medical Care, 44(1), 31-38 – https://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/Abstract/2006/01000/Disenrollment_from_an_Acute_Long_Term_Managed_Care.4.aspx
2. Positive Impact on Caregiver Burden
Key Finding: PACE’s support system for family caregivers significantly reduces their stress and burden, with the percentage of caregivers reporting high burden dropping from 48% to 17% after enrollment. This reduction indicates that PACE’s comprehensive services and care coordination relieve caregivers, allowing them to better balance personal life and caregiving responsibilities.
Source: Vital Research, PACE’s Impact on Caregiver Burden – https://www.vitalresearch.com
Category 4: Cost-Effectiveness
1. Reduced Long-Term Nursing Home Admissions
Key Finding: A study of 12 PACE sites showed that fewer than 20% of participants who died spent 30 or more days in a nursing home prior to death, despite being eligible for nursing home care. This demonstrates PACE’s effectiveness in preventing institutionalization and enabling participants to live more affordably and comfortably at home.
Source: Friedman, S., et al. (2005). Characteristics predicting nursing home admission in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly people. The Gerontologist, 45(2), 157-166 – https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/45/2/157/609005
2. Savings for Medicaid and Medicare
Key Finding: PACE saves Medicaid 12% relative to other forms of long-term care, while Medicare capitation rates for PACE are on par with traditional care costs. This dual cost-efficiency demonstrates PACE’s ability to deliver effective, high-quality care without increasing costs to taxpayers.
Sources:
- National PACE Association, "Analysis of PACE Upper Payment Limits and Capitation Rates, 2021" – https://www.npaonline.org/research
- White, A., et al. (2000). Evaluation of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Demonstration. Abt Associates, Contract No. 5001 – https://www.abtassociates.com/research
Category 5: Comprehensive Care Approach
1. Integrated Team-Based Model
Key Finding: PACE’s interdisciplinary care teams ensure that every participant’s medical, social, and personal needs are addressed in a coordinated manner. This model, which includes social workers, nurses, therapists, and primary care providers, promotes proactive care and allows for rapid response to health changes, which traditional models often lack.
Source: Boult, C., Wieland, G.D. (2010). Comprehensive primary care for older patients with multiple chronic conditions: "Nobody rushes you through.” JAMA, 304(17), 1937-43 – https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/186041
2. Tailored Preventive Care
Key Finding: The focus on preventive care helps address minor health issues before they become severe. For example, PACE’s personalized care plans and regular follow-ups help reduce participants' chances of serious health events, which often result in hospitalization for non-PACE populations.
Source: Leavitt, M. (2009). Interim report to Congress: The quality and cost of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – https://www.congress.gov/reports