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Huron Valley PACE outlines eligibility, services and planned Monroe center
Summary
Huron Valley PACE presented to the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging, explaining that PACE provides coordinated primary and long-term services allowing older adults to remain at home; the program serves about 295 participants with current capacity to grow and plans a Monroe center by July 2026.
Huron Valley PACE marketing director Lindsay told the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging that PACE coordinates primary care, case management, home care, transportation, therapy and specialty services so eligible older adults can remain safely in the community.
"PACE is a nursing home without walls," Lindsay said, summarizing the model. She said the program provides a day center, therapy (PT/OT), prescription coverage, specialty visits (optometry, podiatry, dental), transportation to medical appointments and a registered dietitian for nutrition services. Staff deliver many services at home when participants cannot travel.
Eligibility criteria Lindsay described are: age 55 or older, certification of nursing-home–level of care (various functional or medical reasons may qualify), residence in the program's approved service area (zip-code–based) and an ability to live safely in the community with PACE supports. She said the program covers parts of Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Monroe counties and aims to keep travel to the day center within roughly a 45–60 minute drive.
Lindsay said Huron Valley PACE serves about 295 participants with capacity for 360 under current licensing; the Monroe center is planned with an expected capacity near 150 and a target opening by July 2026. Enrollment is administratively constrained: participants formally enter on the first of a month but assessments and paperwork can be started in advance.
On financing, she explained that PACE is funded through Medicare and Medicaid; Medicaid eligibility rules and recent asset-count changes can affect enrollment. She noted a recent Medicaid policy change raised allowable countable assets to $9,430 for some applicants, expanding eligibility; private pay for the Medicaid portion is rare but can range roughly $3,000–$4,000 per month depending on county rules.
Commissioners asked about barriers to enrollment (changing primary care to PACE, contracting with out-of-network specialists), transportation logistics (door-through-door when needed, contracted drivers), and day-center supports (shower rooms, a secure dementia unit and laundry assistance). Lindsay said many services are person-centered and flexible and that Huron Valley Ambulance and contracted companies provide drivers.
Ending: Commissioners thanked the presenter and asked for slides and contact information to share with senior centers and constituents.
