Proposed PACE Improvement Act Expanded Senior Care Access
New legislation aims to simplify enrollment and increase program availability for seniors and people with disabilities.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Eldercare
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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell and John Moolenaar introduced the PACE Improvement Act to streamline access to integrated Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The bill proposes mandatory coverage and year-round enrollment to help seniors and people with disabilities live independently.
Why it matters
The legislation aims to address current service waitlists and expand the reach of home-based care. By removing administrative barriers for providers, the bill seeks to bridge the gap between eligibility and actual program participation.
Official legislative records indicate the current PACE program in Michigan serves 6,500 people out of 350,000 dually eligible residents. The effectiveness of the proposed expansion remains subject to legislative approval and implementation outcomes.
The players
Debbie Dingell
U.S. Representative from Michigan who sponsors legislation aimed at expanding healthcare access for seniors.
John Moolenaar
U.S. Representative from Michigan who co-sponsors efforts to integrate Medicare and Medicaid services.
The details
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits into a single service model. The proposed act modifies this by creating year-round enrollment windows for beneficiaries and removing application caps for organizations seeking to expand their PACE status. By reclassifying PACE as a mandatory Medicaid service, the bill intends to provide the structural support necessary for these organizations to scale their home-based care operations.
Timeline
2023: Representatives Dingell and Moolenaar first introduced PACE-related legislation.
September 2026: The PACE Improvement Act was formally introduced.
Health Landscape
The PACE program serves as a critical model for integrating acute and long-term care for dually eligible seniors. This legislative effort represents a departure from current enrollment constraints to better align with the growing need for community-based services.
If you or a family member are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, monitor legislative updates that could simplify your ability to join a local program. Discuss with your physician whether integrated home-based care services are an appropriate fit for your current health needs.
The takeaway
The proposed PACE Improvement Act focuses on removing administrative hurdles to make independent living more accessible for those with complex health needs. Families should track the progress of this legislation as it moves through Congress to understand potential shifts in local service availability.
Further reading
Learn more about how integrated care programs support long-term wellness at United States Eldercare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
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Should the federal government mandate that home-based care programs for the elderly be expanded?
