PACE Frequently Asked Questions
What will I do at the PACE Center?
Depending on your needs, you could visit our PACE Center one to five times a week to:
- Get comprehensive health care services
- Enjoy healthy meals
- Join fun activities with other participants
How do I get to and from the PACE Center?
Our friendly, reliable van drivers will bring you to and from our PACE Center and your home.What is an interdisciplinary team (IDT)?
Your IDT works together to give you comprehensive and coordinated care. It is made up of health care professionals, such as:
- Primary care providers
- Specialists
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Home care staff
- Activity recreational staff
- Transportation staff
Our IDT works with you and your family to create an individual care plan (ICP), that is managed on a daily basis. By seeing you often at PACE, our IDT can see if your health changes and modify your care plan.
How do I pay for your PACE program?
Our PACE program is funded by Medicare, Medi-Cal or both. Our team can help you understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.What if I am not satisfied with PACE?
Our team strives to respond to your concerns and improve your experience with our PACE program. You can disenroll at any time, and we will help you move to new health care services.What is the difference between Medicare and PACE?
Medicare is a health insurance program for seniors age 65 and older, or for some younger people with certain disabilities. PACE is a program for seniors age 55 and older who want to live independently at home. Our PACE program offers:
- Comprehensive care — covers all care and services that Medicare and Medi-Cal cover, plus any of your other health care needs
- Team-based approach — works with you and your family to create a care plan just for you
- Interlinked services — offers what you need to stay healthy and independent, such as doctor visits, prescribed medicines, personal care and social services
- PACE transportation for seniors — gives you with rides to and from your appointments
Are my medicines covered by CalOptima Health’s PACE program?
All your medicines are covered by our PACE program, which has Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.Is PACE near me?
Most of our PACE participants get services at our PACE center, which is centrally located in the City of Garden Grove. Our PACE program also offers access to services throughout Orange County at these Alternative Care Settings (ACS):
- Alzheimer’s Family Center (9451 Indianapolis Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646)
- Healthy Aging Center – Acacia (11391 Acacia Parkway, Garden Grove, CA 92840)
- Meals on Wheels OC – Adult Day Services Anaheim (1158 N. Knollwood Circle, Anaheim, CA 92801)
Do I have to change doctors?
Our PACE program services are tailored to your needs and typically involve our team at our PACE Center. If you have a preferred doctor, we can discuss coordinating care.How do I qualify for PACE?
To qualify for our PACE program, you must:
- Be age 55 or older
- Live in our service area
- Meet the state’s requirements for nursing home care
- Be able to live safely at home or in the community with our PACE program services
What if I enroll in your PACE program then move outside of the service area?
If you move outside our service area, you will no longer qualify for PACE program. We will help you move to new health care services.If I enroll in PACE, can I also join another health plan or program?
All services are provided by PACE, so there is no need to be enrolled in another program. Once you enroll in PACE, you will be automatically disenrolled from other health plans or programs, since Medicare and Medi-Cal only allow participation in one program at a time.What if I need to go to a nursing facility?
Our PACE program will continue to oversee your care and visit you regularly.Do I have to give up In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)?
Our PACE program will provide your necessary medical and social services. We’ll work with your home care services if they are part of your individual care plan (ICP).Does my family have a say in my care at your PACE program?
We encourage family involvement and welcome their input on your care plan.