PACE Improvement Act Introduced in Congress
New legislation aims to expand access to care for seniors by allowing year-round enrollment in PACE programs.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Eldercare
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Representatives Debbie Dingell and John Moolenaar introduced the PACE Improvement Act to modernize how seniors and disabled individuals access integrated Medicare and Medicaid services. The bill seeks to remove application barriers for care providers and enable year-round enrollment for beneficiaries.
Why it matters
By removing expansion constraints and waitlists for home-based care, the legislation aims to improve independence for seniors and those with disabilities. The move addresses current limitations that restrict how many people can participate in these essential health programs.
In Michigan, current PACE programs support 6,500 people, though the state has more than 350,000 residents dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The new bill intends to bridge this service gap by streamlining provider applications and beneficiary enrollment.
The players
Debbie Dingell
A U.S. Representative who sponsors legislation focused on senior care and healthcare access.
John Moolenaar
A U.S. Representative who co-sponsors efforts to expand the reach of PACE programs for seniors.
The details
The PACE Improvement Act functions by removing existing caps on how many entities can seek PACE status and mandating the service under Medicaid. This provides greater flexibility for year-round enrollment rather than limited windows. By easing these bureaucratic constraints, the legislation allows existing programs to scale their operations to meet local community demand.
Timeline
Representatives first introduced PACE-related legislation in 2023.
The PACE Improvement Act was introduced in September 2026.
The Home Front
The PACE Improvement Act updates the existing administrative framework of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to increase coverage. This represents a legislative effort to shift long-term care toward more home-based models.
If you or a loved one relies on integrated care, monitor the status of this legislation to see if your local provider begins expanding capacity or enrollment periods. Check with your current care coordinator to determine if your specific eligibility status aligns with these potential future program changes.
The takeaway
The proposed legislation seeks to make PACE a mandatory Medicaid service to reduce waitlists for seniors living independently. Families should keep an eye on how these potential policy changes could broaden care options in their home state.
Further reading
Learn more about support services for aging relatives in our Eldercare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
Live Poll
Should the federal government mandate that home-based care programs for the elderly be expanded?
