Access to local care for elderly expanded under bipartisan Moolenaar bill

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) on Oct. 21 introduced legislation to bolster the current Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, community-dwelling elderly Americans, most of whom are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

“This legislation will help Michigan seniors who need long-term care and provide them with more options, including the potential to receive care at home without having to travel long distances,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “That option means a lot to our seniors, especially in rural communities, who can save time and money by receiving care in their own home.”

The congressman cosponsored the bipartisan PACE Expanded Act, H.R. 9209, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to improve access to the program, support the expansion of current PACE programs, and facilitate the establishment of new ones by giving PACE programs greater flexibility to enroll beneficiaries throughout the year, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Moolenaar’s staff.

“This is common-sense, bipartisan legislation that reduces red tape and makes the PACE program available to more Michigan seniors,” said Rep. Moolenaar. “The PACE Association of Michigan does outstanding work for seniors and we are proud to have their support for this legislation.”

Rep. Dingell pointed out that the PACE model has been successful in helping senior citizens and Americans with disabilities age and live with dignity. 

“As the third-largest PACE state, Michigan’s PACE providers deliver critical long-term supportive services for individuals wishing to remain in their homes, which is overwhelmingly the setting Americans prefer,” she said. “Access to this program makes a real difference.”