DHS outlines steps, questions for Minnesota PACE program; RFI to close this month

The Minnesota Department of Human Services briefed the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee on a legislative report about the Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a federally authorized model that integrates Medicare, Medicaid and long‑term services and supports for people aged 55 and older.

DHS Assistant Commissioner Natasha Merz told the committee that PACE “is a model of delivering home and community based services for people age 55 and older,” and said the program is intended to keep eligible participants in their communities through an interdisciplinary, coordinated approach that combines Medicare and Medicaid services. Merz said PACE enrollees must meet a nursing facility level of care and be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment.

The session emphasized that PACE is financed through a monthly capitation payment covering Medicare and Medicaid services, and that federal rules require the capitation rate to be no higher…