In a Nov. 20 article, the Center for Health Care Strategies discussed the strengths, findings, challenges and partnerships that make PACE a critical element of successfully addressing the needs and preferences of older adults in rural communities. CHCS noted that:
- Policymakers should heed the value of PACE and think creatively about flexibilities in implementing PACE in rural communities and consider offering additional funding to initiate PACE and support indirect costs. Funneling state Medicaid dollars to support PACE’s comprehensive model offers states a solution that meets people where they are, addresses their preferences for aging in place and is cost-efficient and high-quality. PACE is a strong example of how states can take a creative and resourceful approach to offering comprehensive services to older adults with significant health and financial needs.
- Rural PACE providers today are more likely to serve participants younger than 65 – a distinct part of the older adult population
- Strengths noted about rural-serving PACE organizations included job opportunities for local people, social connectedness, enrollment growth fostered by having a positive reputation in close-knit rural communities. This represents a real growth opportunity for PACE.
- Community partnerships with health care and social service organizations, transportation providers and others are critical to operating PACE in rural areas.
- Challenges include transportation, staffing and effectively spreading the word about PACE at a time when local newspapers may not exist.