Earlier this month, InnovAge participated in the annual conference for
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Baltimore, MD, hosted by
ADvancing States (formerly NASUAD). At the conference, federal, state, and local policymakers joined with those who administer, manage, and deliver HCBS programs around the country to discuss best practices.
InnovAge’s involvement with the HCBS conference is part of our ongoing effort to educate policy makers and influencers about the
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and the important role it plays in supporting frail seniors.
As more and more states are facing an aging population, they are seeking solutions for seniors in their communities. At HCBS, InnovAge staff connected with leaders from around the country – those who know and advocate for PACE, and others who were less familiar with the program.
InnovAge’s senior vice president of government relations,
Cindi Jones, presented at the conference along with representatives from Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services and Pennsylvania’s Office of Long-Term Living.
“PACE is the only true model that blends Medicare and Medicaid funding and provides all-inclusive services such as medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, and long term services and supports through a day health center model,” she says. “The program is successful in states where there is an understanding it’s a partnership – between us as the provider and our regulators at the state and federal level.”
While PACE is currently offered in 31 states, Cindi shared that more than 22 of those states are pursuing efforts to expand the program.
“There isn’t one program out there that doesn’t work with PACE, and people love the high-touch model,” she explains.
InnovAge remains committed to expanding PACE to serve more frail seniors throughout the U.S. Engaging with leaders at events such as the HCBS is an important step in making this a reality. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with us and learn more about InnovAge and PACE at the HCBS conference. We appreciated the discussions and look forward to more conversations in the months and years to come.
