How can I find out if I am eligible for housing?

PACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly which helps frail elders stay at home when they otherwise would need nursing home care. It's operated jointly by Medicare and Medicaid and -- if you qualify -- could provide you with full primary medical care, including drugs. It also offers social services, restorative therapies, personal care and supportive services, and meals. PACE can also cover medical specialists, laboratory and other diagnostic services, hospital and nursing home care.  

Most PACE services are offered at an adult day health center, but sometimes they can be provided at home. However, PACE does not generally provide housing itself.

Whether a PACE program is available to you depends on a number of things. First, PACE is not available in all states and areas. So, you must live in a state that offers PACE under its Medicaid program.

Second, you must meet financial eligibility requirements -- meaning low income and assets. Each state sets its own financial limits. For some people, PACE services are entirely free; others with more income or assets may have to pay a small monthly premium.  

Finally, in order to qualify for PACE, you must be screened by a team of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals; they will determine whether you meet the state's standard for requiring nursing facility care, which is a prerequisite for PACE eligibility.

To learn more about the PACE program, visit the  Medicare web site page that describes the PACE program . To find out if there is a PACE program near where you live, go to the Medicare PACE program locator web site page , which lists all the programs; you can fill in information on that page and receive information about the PACE program in your area, if there is one. If so, contact that agency to learn about the specific eligibility requirements in your state, and how to apply for PACE coverage.