August 9, 2021 Washington, DC—Statement from Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, on the recently introduced PACE Part D Choice Act by Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Debbie Dingell (D-Mi).

The Act would remove a longstanding barrier for Medicare-only beneficiaries to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program. It would allow those participants to choose between the current PACE Part D plan (an all-inclusive premium and no deductible or coinsurance) and a marketplace Part D plan (with a lower premium, and deductible and coinsurance amounts).

“As we grow older, each of us has unique desires, challenges, and life circumstances. Older Americans and their families have a range of needs and preferences, and accordingly, they should have access to a range of affordable care and services.

The PACE Part Choice Act of 2021 is an important step in offering more older adults affordable access to the PACE program—an effective and popular program that allows people to choose to stay in their communities and receive comprehensive long term services and supports. Reducing barriers to PACE will mean improved quality of care—and quality of life—for more older adults who want community-based care.

From strengthening existing programs for services and care at home and in the community, to reimagining nursing homes and increasing the supply of affordable senior housing, LeadingAge advocates for a broad range of policy recommendations as outlined in our Blueprint for Better Aging Services Infrastructure and 2021 Policy Priorities. By expanding access to PACE for a broader range of older adults, the PACE Part D Choice Act is a critical step in achieving this vision.”

We represent more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we use applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old. Our membership encompasses the entire continuum of aging services. We bring together the most inventive minds in the field to lead and innovate solutions that support older adults wherever they call home. For more information visit leadingage.org.