SB207 would establish Nevada PACE program to let frail seniors age in place; governor and agencies back pilot funding

Carson City — SB207 would create statutory authority for Nevada to implement the federal Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a model that provides comprehensive, coordinated medical and social services allowing frail, low‑income seniors to remain in community settings rather than institutional care.

Sen. Angie Taylor (D‑District 15) presented the bill and introduced former Governor Robert List, who described PACE as an established federal model running in 37 states and the District of Columbia. List said PACE combines primary medical care, adult‑day services, rehabilitation, transportation, home care and social supports in a single capitated benefit that private operators deliver under federal and state rules.

Why it matters

Supporters argued PACE improves health outcomes, lowers hospital and nursing‑home usage and saves public funds because capitated provider payments are typically set below the cost of institutional care for a comparable population. Victoria Sepul of WellBe Health said one operator’s data show lower emergency‑department use, fewer preventable hospitalizations and reduced readmission rates among PACE participants; California saved nearly $369 million in a recent year compared with the cost of traditional services for a similar population, she said.

Fiscal details

DHHS presented a reprint estimate: the state general fund portion of the implementation request is $477,112 in the biennium and the total computable amount (including federal match) is $861,782. Sponsors said initial start‑up costs are needed for an RFP and to allow a PACE provider to establish a center; once operational, PACE programs are funded through capitated payments that draw large federal matches.

Testimony and next steps

WellBe Health and community groups testified in support; no opposition testified in committee. Sponsors told the committee the bill was designed to pilot the PACE model, with private operators investing start‑up capital; the committee discussion focused on confirming DHHS’s fiscal estimate and on the mechanics of issuing an RFP to attract a PACE operator.

If SB207 advances and Nevada selects a provider, the state would coordinate with CMS to set PACE capitation rates and program rules. Supporters said the long‑term state and federal savings and the program’s beneficiary‑centered care model justify the initial appropriation.