Ohio Lawmakers Weighed Expanding Senior Care Program
State officials are considering widening access to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to help more seniors age at home.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Eldercare
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Ohio lawmakers recently reviewed the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as they consider expanding the model to more counties. PACE offers seniors meals, transportation, and medical services as an alternative to traditional institutional care.
Why it matters
PACE has demonstrated financial efficiency, saving taxpayer funds in counties like Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Summit, while supporting better mental health outcomes for participants. Expansion could increase these savings and improve access for residents in the 78 counties currently without the program.
Current data indicates PACE programs have successfully operated in Mahoning and Trumbull counties since 2025. While the program has generated millions in savings in other regions, the full impact of a statewide rollout remains under investigation.
The details
PACE functions by providing comprehensive medical and social services either at home, in the community, or at a dedicated center. This model serves as an alternative to institutionalized care, allowing seniors to remain in their homes, which is associated with improved mental health. Most participants incur no out-of-pocket costs for these services, and the program is generally considered more cost-effective than other senior care models.
Timeline
PACE locations opened in Mahoning and Trumbull counties in 2025.
State lawmakers observed PACE operations at a center on October 9, 2026.
Lawmakers may begin considering program expansion in the fall of 2026.
Health Landscape
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a key component of the shift toward home-based, community-focused senior care. This legislative move reflects a broader trend of states seeking to scale cost-effective alternatives to traditional nursing facilities.
Seniors and their families in counties currently without access to PACE should monitor upcoming state legislative sessions for potential expansion news. Discussing aging-in-place options and local care resources with your physician can help you prepare for shifts in available community support.
The takeaway
PACE offers a potential path to home-based care that can be more sustainable and affordable for seniors. Families should track potential shifts in local care access and consider consulting with a primary physician to evaluate if home-based programs are suitable for their long-term health needs.
What happens next
Lawmakers are expected to begin considering the program expansion during the fall of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local support options in our Eldercare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
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