How To Start A PACE Program

Opening a new PACE site, or starting a new PACE organization, is a complex, expensive, and time-consuming process with factors such as staffing, financial planning, legal and regulatory considerations, location selection, building design, participant recruitment, and program development all needing to be addressed. CalPACE and National PACE Association have numerous resources available on developing and expanding PACE, consider becoming an Associate member of both organizations as soon as you file your letter of intent with Department of Health Care Services.

In addition to the resources provided by CalPACE and National PACE Association, West Health has developed a comprehensive resource hub for those looking to start or expand a PACE organization. The hub is intended for those interested in starting a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) or looking to expand their existing PACE organization. It outlines the various topic areas that need to be considered when creating a successful program and provides linkage to existing resources. Visit the West Health website linked below to access the PACE Start-Up Guide.

PACE Start-Up Guide

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has prepared a helpful video tutorial on PACE application requirements.

After getting a good understanding of what is involved in the PACE development process, you may want to consider the following questions as you decide how to proceed:

• Do you want to go it alone, or form a partnership with other entities who want PACE in the community?
  A variety of models of PACE development can be successful. Programs have grown out of adult day care centers, federally qualified health centers, large religious-affiliated entities, hospitals and various other health or elderly related entities. Partnerships have proven effective, while going it alone remains an option. Partnerships spread the risk, the start-up costs and the community buy-in, while going it alone yields greater control and future return.
• Is there a program near you that might be able to expand to serve you?
  This is always worth considering, as expansions of existing programs are easier and faster than a new startup.

Technical Assistance Providers

Technical assistance (TA) is very important to PACE start-ups, so you will want to carefully choose the TA provider who is right for you. CalPACE programs are glad to share their experiences with these providers, and you can find out more about qualified PACE consultants at NPA’s website.