Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Santa Clara County

A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.

UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.

What to know

Why it may fit: Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
What to do next: PACE gives you all your medical and long-term care from one team, often at a day center. It is for people 55 and older. You must need the kind of care a nursing home gives. But you must be able to live safely at home. Three PACE programs serve parts of Santa Clara County. The choice to join is yours.
Who runs it: PACE organization / DHCS / CMS

What the program may consider

Age 55 or older
You live in a PACE service area
DHCS nursing-home level-of-care determination
You can live safely in the community when you enroll

How to get it

PACE gives you all your medical and long-term care from one team, often at a day center. It is for people 55 and older. You must need the kind of care a nursing home gives. But you must be able to live safely at home. Three PACE programs serve parts of Santa Clara County. The choice to join is yours.

Before you start

Having this helps Aged, Blind and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Medi-Cal. You do not need Medi-Cal to join PACE. If you have Medi-Cal, it helps pay for PACE. HICAP can explain what you would pay, for free.

How to apply

PhoneHICAP free Medicare counseling: 1-800-434-0222Free, unbiased help with Medicare choices.
PhoneNEMS PACE, San Jose: 1-888-981-8909Enrollment line. Ask if it serves your ZIP code.
PhoneOn Lok PACE: 1-855-973-1110Enrollment line. TTY 711. Ask if it serves your ZIP code.
PhoneWelbeHealth PACE, San Jose: (888) 530-4415Ask if it serves your ZIP code.

Getting help

Someone can refer you, with your permission

You or your family can call a PACE program to ask about joining. The decision to join is yours. You sign a release for your records yourself. You, or a representative you name, sign the enrollment agreement. A person with legal power to act for you can also sign.

You can name one person (not an organization) to act for you.

What happens after you apply

A PACE staff member talks with you and your family. They check your age and that you live in their area.
The program or providerA helper can help with this
You sign a form that lets PACE get your health and money records.
YouOnly you can do this
A PACE nurse and team visit your home. You also visit the PACE center at least once.
The program or providerOnly you can do this
The state reviews your health information. It decides if you need the kind of care a nursing home gives.
The state
Apply for Medi-Cal with your county. A helper can file it for you.
Only if you want Medi-Cal to help pay and do not have it yet
The countyA helper can do this for youThe county has up to 45 days to decide.
The team shows you your care plan. If you decide to join, you sign the enrollment agreement. A representative you named can sign if you cannot.
YouOnly you can do this
PACE starts on the first day of the next month. You get a PACE card. Your other Medicare and Medi-Cal plans end that day.
The program or providerOnly you can do thisThe first day of the month after PACE gets your signed agreement.

What only you can do

Decide for yourself if you want PACE. It replaces your Medicare and Medi-Cal plans, and you see PACE doctors. HICAP gives free, unbiased help.
Sign the release so PACE can get your records.
Be home for the nurse visit, and visit the PACE center.
Sign the enrollment agreement, or have your named or legal representative sign it.
Give up In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if you have it. You cannot have IHSS and PACE at the same time.

How long it takes: About 1 to 3 months. It takes longer if you also need to apply for Medi-Cal.
You are enrolled when: You are enrolled on the first day of the month after PACE gets your signed agreement. You have a PACE card, and PACE gives all your care.
To keep it: You stay in PACE until you choose to leave. The state may check your care needs again each year. Use PACE doctors and services, or you may have to pay. Stay in the PACE area. Renew your Medi-Cal each year. If your Medi-Cal has a share of cost, you still pay it. Joining another Medicare plan or hospice ends PACE.

Can’t be combined with

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). You cannot have In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and PACE at the same time. PACE gives you help at home instead.
Medicare Advantage. Joining PACE ends any Medicare Advantage plan you have. The choice is yours. HICAP gives free, unbiased help.
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP / Medi-Medi). Joining PACE ends any Medicare plan made for people with both Medicare and Medi-Cal. The choice is yours. HICAP gives free, unbiased help.
Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP). Joining PACE ends any Medicare plan made for people with a long-term health condition. The choice is yours. HICAP gives free, unbiased help.
Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP). Joining PACE ends any Medicare plan made for people who need nursing home care. The choice is yours. HICAP gives free, unbiased help.
Medicare Part D and other drug coverage. Joining PACE ends any separate Medicare drug plan. PACE covers your drugs.
Enhanced Care Management. PACE members get care coordination from PACE, not Enhanced Care Management (ECM).
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP). PACE gives all your care, so you leave MSSP if you join.
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver. You cannot be in PACE and the HCBA waiver at the same time.
Medicare GUIDE dementia care and caregiver respite. Joining PACE ends GUIDE, Medicare's dementia care program.

Coming changes

Starting January 1, 2027: Starting January 1, 2027, some PACE members age 55 to 64 must renew Medi-Cal every 6 months. Before, it was once a year.

Choosing a Medicare plan is your decision. UniHealth does not choose, recommend, or enroll anyone in Medicare plans. For free, unbiased help, call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.