Legislative Asks
Age Safe in Place, with PACE.
That’s the goal for many Michigan seniors today. Lessons learned during COVID-19 bear out the fact that, for many older adults, it’s better to remain independent and stable in a familiar setting.
The more our state leaders can do to help residents at all income levels and walks of life maintain their independence, the better. It’s a matter of dignity, equity, and personal freedom.
That is why Michigan’s PACE programs (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) offer such a valuable alternative for our state’s residents. PACE supports older adults and their families with comprehensive physical, psychological, and social-emotional support that ensures they can remain safe and well-cared for at home, regardless of income level.
But today, there are obstacles. Our state’s leaders must help address these challenges to give all Michiganders the ability to take advantage of PACE programs in their own communities. Here’s what’s needed:
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SUPPORT Michigan PACE Organizations
PROBLEM: PACE organizations in Michigan are facing financial pressures as a result of the unanticipated costs incurred due to COVID, for which they have yet to be compensated, unlike nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care providers.
SOLUTION: Support a one-time payment to each PACE Program equal to 20% of that program’s projected full-year allocation to help cover the increase in health care costs including higher acuity of participants, labor market crisis, increased hospitalization and in home service needs.
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INVEST in Michigan's Seniors
PROBLEM: Michigan ranks near the bottom in the proportion of taxpayer dollars spent by states to provide long term care in home and community-based settings versus institutional care. Michigan’s PACE organizations offer a valuable alternative to nursing home care for our state’s residents at a fraction of the cost.
SOLUTION: Raise the PACE capitation rates by 15% to keep up with inflation and support direct care worker wage increase to stabilize the workforce to allow seniors to remain independent and stable in a familiar setting.
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IMPROVE Access to PACE Services by Eliminating Barriers to Enrollment
PROBLEM: There are many unnecessary regulatory barriers that make it difficult for someone to enroll in PACE; enrollment caps, card cut-off dates, and artificial time restraints within the eligibility process. These barriers can result in delays in access to care of up to 45 days.
SOLUTION: Include language that would eliminate enrollment caps, remove card cut-off dates, and allow for any time enrollment into PACE. After all, it should be as easy to enroll in PACE as it is in other long-term care settings.
For the past several years, Michigan lawmakers have been seeking opportunities to expand PACE services in areas with high levels of need. This one-time investment can help prompt critical expansion and allow more seniors to live in the ways they choose.
As our senior population—which was extraordinarily hard-hit during the pandemic—continues to grow and heal, the ability to meet them safely at home with valuable PACE programming is more essential than ever.