The Positive Aging Community recently hosted a discussion on the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program, featuring Ron Hess, Executive Director of Cherry Blossom PACE. The PACE program is a comprehensive healthcare solution designed to help older adults remain in their homes rather than moving to institutional settings. It provides a coordinated package of medical, physical, emotional, and social services, including transportation, delivered by a familiar team. Originating in San Francisco in the 1970s, PACE has expanded to over 180 programs across 33 states, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional Medicaid services. The program is available to individuals aged 55 and older who meet specific medical and residency criteria. While most participants are enrolled in Medicaid, PACE also accommodates those with Medicare or private pay options. The discussion highlighted the program's adaptability, its role in facilitating proactive care, and its partnerships with various healthcare providers. For those interested in starting a PACE program, the National PACE Association offers resources and guidance. The session emphasized the importance of reaching out to local PACE programs for personalized assistance and information. 

• Ronald Hess [email protected]
• National PACE Association
• PACE Programs Nationwide: Comprehensive Directory of 186 Providers Across 33 States

Cherry Blossom PACE Contact Information

• Phone: 571-789-0770
• Toll-Free: 888-524-2060
• Fax: 571-775-3946
• Email (General): [email protected]
• Email (Enrollment): [email protected]
• Website: https://cherryblossompace.com
• Address: 1901 N. Beauregard St., Ste. 110, Alexandria, VA 22311

Who Is Eligible for PACE?

Eligibility for PACE is determined by four basic criteria:

• Age 55 or older

• Residency within a defined service area (determined by zip code)

• State-specific medical eligibility—typically requiring some assistance with daily living due to health conditions

• Ability to be safely served in the community

Each program performs its own assessment to determine if participants can be safely supported outside of institutional settings. The Cherry Blossom PACE program, for example, serves Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington counties in Northern Virginia and provides transportation and home services within those regions.

While most PACE participants are Medicaid recipients, qualifying for Medicaid is not a requirement. For those with Medicaid, care is typically covered in full. Participants without Medicaid may enroll via Medicare, or privately, paying a fixed monthly premium (often less than what a nursing facility would cost), with all specialty care, medications, and transportation included—no copays or deductibles.

PACE is designed to be efficient: on average, states spend about 12% less on PACE enrollees compared to other Medicaid services. Importantly, the program has shown resilience to Medicaid funding changes, remaining largely insulated from recent cuts.

PACE is much more than an adult day program or a simple provider network. It operates as both a health plan and provider, coordinating hands-on healthcare, specialty services, medications, and transportation. Cherry Blossom PACE, for instance, partners with local vendors, specialists, and service providers to deliver everything from home modifications to primary care, while maintaining a closed pharmacy model for safety and consistency.

Even continuity with outside primary care providers is possible if a contract is in place. The essential principle is flexibility and individualized care planning. Home care, for example, can include assistance with meals, exercises, and companionship—tailored to each participant’s daily needs and lifestyle.