The evaluation of rural PACE pilot describes early implementation experiences of 14 sites.

Background

The federal Rural PACE Provider Grant Program provided organizations with a one-time grant of $500,000 to develop a rural PACE program, leading to the launch of 14 sites across 12 states. This report includes a qualitative analysis on startup, implementation, and enrollment across the participating sites, based on interviews with PACE providers, participants and family members, and federal and state officials.

Findings

Startup funding helped PACE sites to effectively launch their programs within rural communities unfamiliar with the model. Sites used startup funds for staffing, construction and renovations, and supplies for sites. Some sites created operational efficiencies through connections to nearby PACE sites in urban regions, including through shared administrative staff. PACE participants and family members reported positive outcomes, including enhanced independence to live at home and reduced caregiver burden.

Program/Policy Takeaways

Policymakers interested in expanding access to integrated care for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid can use this report to understand the impact of providing seed money for program startup, and providers can look to these case studies to design and refine rural PACE programs.