This is an exciting time for PACE.
PACE providers have distinguished themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic for operating with flexibility, high rates of participant satisfaction, and safety. According to the National PACE Association, PACE participants are at one-third the risk of nursing home residents for contracting COVID-19. Our track record in California is even better.
We know this among the PACE community of providers but now we are receiving national recognition for our achievements. PACE is considered a key solution for the nation’s long-term care challenge for its aging population. A new report by the Milken Institute says roughly half of baby boomers will require a high level of long-term care at some point and scaling up PACE is part of the solution.
This acknowledgement comes as President Joe Biden is challenging the nation to pivot from a reliance on nursing homes to community care solutions, which is our specialty. With $400 billion in his American Jobs Plan geared to the care economy, 2021 offers an incredible opportunity for PACE to grow and help even more families stay together while loved ones get the care they need at home.
We look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Peter Hansel
Chief Executive Officer, CalPACE
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Both CalPACE-sponsored bills have received unanimous support during initial legislative hearings. |
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Along with enrollment and referral reforms, AB 540 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) would expand PACE awareness by ensuring that PACE is presented as a health plan choice and included in all Medi-Cal enrollment and outreach materials for all 55+ dual eligibles, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Eileen Kunz, Chief of Government Affairs and Compliance at On Loc Health Services, and Maria Zamora, CEO of the Center for Elders’ Independence, were the author’s witnesses in support in the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care. Kunz was joined by Melissa Hooven, CEO of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, as the author’s witnesses in the Assembly Health Committee. The bill now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further review.
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AB 523, by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (D-West Toluca Lake) would codify temporary regulatory flexibility granted to PACE providers during COVID-19 into standard practices. This will broaden and streamline enrollment processes, and enable PACE to provide for more home-based services through telehealth and in-home PACE nursing services. Peter Hansel, CEO of CalPACE, and Susie Fishenfeld, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, were the author’s witnesses in support during the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care’s hearing. The bill awaits a hearing in the Assembly Health Committee on April 27th.
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PACE providers are taking a leading role to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many have vaccinated over 90 percent of their program participants. Some PACE providers are also helping vaccinate their communities.
AltaMed had the honor hosting Governor Gavin Newsom, in Santa Ana, on March 25th when he announced new vaccine eligibility expansions taking effect in April - Californians aged 50 and above became eligible on April 1st and those aged 16 and above on April 15th.
Great to see the community of PACE providers recognized for its contributions to beating back the pandemic!
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Key Appointments Among CalPACE Members |
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The National PACE Association appointed 3 representatives from CalPACE organizations to its new Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. These values lay at the heart of PACE’s philosophy for community-based care and were part of PACE’s founding in California, making us proud of the work these individuals will perform on the Council.
● Aché Lytle, interim director of Organizational Development, Culture and Inclusion at On Lok PACE,
● Lincoln Sison, MD, of Center for Elders' Independence (CEI), and
● Maria Zamora is CEO at CEI.
Ellen Schmeding, COO for St. Paul’s Seniors, was elected to chair California’s Commission on Aging. As chair, she presides over all meetings of the Commission, leads the Executive Committee, and appoints chairs and members of standing committees and special committees.
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After several years in the making, the Center for Elders’ Independence opened its Concord PACE Center this month, with a virtual grand opening on April 20th. The new facility includes:
● A state of the art health clinic,
● An activity center with breakout rooms
● A gym staffed with physical and occupational therapists,
● A dining room, with culturally appealing food choices,
● A comfortable patio with beautiful landscaping, seating, and space for outdoor activities,
● A computer lab and spiritual room, and
● A fleet of vans providing transportation to and from the PACE center and all medical appointments.
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CalPACE, the California PACE Association, is a 501(c)(6) association that is dedicated to the expansion of comprehensive health care services to seniors with chronic care needs through the Program of All-inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE). Through education and advocacy, CalPACE members strive to support, maintain, and safeguard the PACE model and promote high-quality comprehensive health care services to California's seniors.
CalPACE represents twenty-one operational PACE organizations in California. Our members and allied organizations provide and coordinate services to more than 12,000 participants through 64 PACE Centers and Alternative Care Settings in 22 counties.
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