Colorado PACE and the Future of Long-Term Care: A Forbes Perspective
Helping older adults remain in their communities as they age requires more than medical care alone. It also means making sure they have access to the personal assistance, transportation, nutrition and other services that support everyday life.
A new Forbes article, “How a Medicare Long-Term Care Benefit Could Save Money, Improve Lives,” explores how expanding access to these services could improve the lives of older adults while potentially reducing healthcare spending. Published October 23, 2026, the article by journalist Howard Gleckman examines a proposed Medicare benefit that draws on elements of established home- and community-based care models, including PACE.
What Is PACE?
PACE stands for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It provides comprehensive medical care and supportive services to eligible older adults who meet nursing-home-level-of-care requirements but can safely live in the community with PACE support.
At Colorado PACE, an interdisciplinary team coordinates each participant's care based on their individual medical, physical and social needs. Services may include primary care, prescription medications, rehabilitation therapies, transportation, personal care, meals and social activities.
By bringing these services together, PACE helps participants and their families navigate complex care needs while supporting health, safety and quality of life.
A New Conversation About Medicare and Long-Term Care
The Forbes article examines a proposal developed by ATI Advisory called Medicare Advancing Home and Community Care. The proposed benefit would provide eligible, frail enrollees in traditional Medicare with access to services such as care navigation, personal care, adult day services, transportation, meals and caregiver support.
The article notes that the proposed model's adult day services could resemble a more limited version of PACE. It also explores the possibility that well-targeted home- and community-based support could help prevent avoidable emergency department visits, hospitalizations and other costly care needs.
The proposal is not an existing Medicare benefit, and it differs from the comprehensive services offered through PACE. However, the discussion highlights an important question: How can healthcare systems better support older adults who need assistance with daily activities while helping them remain in their communities?
The Value of Coordinated, Person-Centered Care
PACE offers an established example of how medical care and supportive services can work together. Rather than treating each need in isolation, the PACE model coordinates services around the participant, helping the care team respond to changing needs and develop individualized care plans.
This comprehensive approach recognizes that health and independence are shaped by many factors, including mobility, nutrition, access to medical services and opportunities for social connection.
At Colorado PACE, our team is committed to helping eligible older adults access the care and support they need to live as independently as possible.
Looking Ahead
As policymakers and healthcare leaders explore ways to improve long-term care access, conversations about Medicare benefits, community-based services and integrated care models will remain important.
The Forbes article contributes to that discussion by considering how expanded support at home and in the community could benefit older adults and their families.
Read the Forbes article: How a Medicare Long-Term Care Benefit Could Save Money, Improve Lives
Go Back A new Forbes article, “How a Medicare Long-Term Care Benefit Could Save Money, Improve Lives,” explores how expanding access to these services could improve the lives of older adults while potentially reducing healthcare spending. Published October 23, 2026, the article by journalist Howard Gleckman examines a proposed Medicare benefit that draws on elements of established home- and community-based care models, including PACE.
What Is PACE?
PACE stands for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It provides comprehensive medical care and supportive services to eligible older adults who meet nursing-home-level-of-care requirements but can safely live in the community with PACE support.
At Colorado PACE, an interdisciplinary team coordinates each participant's care based on their individual medical, physical and social needs. Services may include primary care, prescription medications, rehabilitation therapies, transportation, personal care, meals and social activities.
By bringing these services together, PACE helps participants and their families navigate complex care needs while supporting health, safety and quality of life.
A New Conversation About Medicare and Long-Term Care
The Forbes article examines a proposal developed by ATI Advisory called Medicare Advancing Home and Community Care. The proposed benefit would provide eligible, frail enrollees in traditional Medicare with access to services such as care navigation, personal care, adult day services, transportation, meals and caregiver support.
The article notes that the proposed model's adult day services could resemble a more limited version of PACE. It also explores the possibility that well-targeted home- and community-based support could help prevent avoidable emergency department visits, hospitalizations and other costly care needs.
The proposal is not an existing Medicare benefit, and it differs from the comprehensive services offered through PACE. However, the discussion highlights an important question: How can healthcare systems better support older adults who need assistance with daily activities while helping them remain in their communities?
The Value of Coordinated, Person-Centered Care
PACE offers an established example of how medical care and supportive services can work together. Rather than treating each need in isolation, the PACE model coordinates services around the participant, helping the care team respond to changing needs and develop individualized care plans.
This comprehensive approach recognizes that health and independence are shaped by many factors, including mobility, nutrition, access to medical services and opportunities for social connection.
At Colorado PACE, our team is committed to helping eligible older adults access the care and support they need to live as independently as possible.
Looking Ahead
As policymakers and healthcare leaders explore ways to improve long-term care access, conversations about Medicare benefits, community-based services and integrated care models will remain important.
The Forbes article contributes to that discussion by considering how expanded support at home and in the community could benefit older adults and their families.
Read the Forbes article: How a Medicare Long-Term Care Benefit Could Save Money, Improve Lives