Kansas PACE

About Us

Kansas PACE

About Us

Helping Seniors Live Well at Home

What is Kansas PACE?

Kansas PACE is a statewide initiative that brings together three nonprofit organizations to educate the public and raise awareness about the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

This collaboration helps older adults across Kansas receive comprehensive care while remaining in the communities they love.​

Members of Kansas PACE are:

Ascension Living HOPE – Serving Wichita and surrounding areas.​

Bluestem PACE – Serving South-Central Kansas.​

Midland Care PACE – Serving Northeast Kansas, including Topeka, Lawrence, Kansas City, and Emporia.​

PACE Enrollment and Demographics in Kansas

As of December 2025, these combined organizations serve approximately 1,000 participants. The majority of PACE participants are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, reflecting a population with significant healthcare needs.

PACE is a Permanent Benefit of Medicare and Medicaid

Families can feel confident that PACE will continue to provide the care and support their loved ones need, now and in the future.

PACE is a permanent part of Medicare and Medicaid, meaning it is not just a pilot program or temporary service. It is written into federal law and has been funded for over 50 years because it saves money while improving care for seniors.

Unlike some Medicaid programs that might face budget cuts, PACE has strong bipartisan support because it reduces hospital visits, prevents nursing home placements, and keeps seniors healthier—which ultimately lowers healthcare costs.

Even during past Medicaid funding debates, PACE has remained fully funded because it is a cost-effective, proven solution for long-term senior care.

PACE Saves 33%+ for Kansas Taxpayers

In Kansas, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) has demonstrated significant cost savings for the state's Medicaid program.

A comprehensive study by the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare analyzed Medicaid expenditures for PACE participants compared to those receiving home-based services or living in nursing homes.

The findings revealed that, during the three months preceding death, a period typically associated with high medical costs,—Medicaid expenditures for PACE participants were 43% lower than those for HCBS/FE recipients and 33% lower than for NF residents.

These substantial savings highlight PACE's effectiveness in managing end-of-life care costs, underscoring its value as a fiscally responsible option for Kansas's Medicaid program.

PACE Saves 13% for American Taxpayers

PACE  is a cost-effective alternative to traditional nursing home care, offering significant savings for American taxpayers. By enabling seniors to receive care in their homes and communities, PACE not only enhances quality of life but also alleviates the financial burden on public healthcare systems.

On average, PACE programs operate at costs approximately 13% lower than state Medicaid programs for comparable populations.

This reduction is primarily due to PACE's comprehensive, community-based care model, which emphasizes preventive services and coordinated care, thereby reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Why Do Seniors Choose PACE?

  • Better Health – Seniors in PACE have 40% fewer hospital visits than those in regular Medicare plans.​
  • Less Stress for Families – PACE handles all the details, so loved ones don’t have to.​
  • No Surprise Bills – Medicaid covers all PACE services. If you have Medicare but not Medicaid, you’ll pay a set monthly fee—no unexpected costs.​

Why PACE Matters to Seniors and Caregivers

Many seniors want to stay at home, but they need extra help. PACE makes this possible by removing barriers like:​

  • Confusing Healthcare – PACE coordinates everything, so you don’t have to.​
  • Transportation Struggles – PACE provides rides to medical appointments and the PACE center.​
  • Home Safety Worries – PACE helps with bathing, dressing, meals, and more to keep you comfortable.​
  • Caregiver Burnout – Families don’t have to do it alone. PACE provides 24/7 support if there’s a problem.​

For over 50 years, PACE has helped tens of thousands of seniors live longer, healthier, and happier lives at home.​

PACE vs. Medicare Advantage

Many seniors ask, “Why should I choose PACE instead of a Medicare Advantage plan?”

Here’s how they compare:​

Feature PACE Medicare Advantage
Care Team
A full team (doctors, nurses, caregivers) working togetherYou may need to coordinate your own care and call each medical office
Home Support
Help with bathing, dressing, meals, and cleaningIn-home care could be limited
Transportation
Yes – transportation to all PACE medical appointments and the PACE centerRides depend on plan
Cost
Covered by Medicaid or a set monthly fee for Medicare-only participantsSome plans have copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs for similar benefits
Hospital Visits
Fewer hospitalizationsHigher hospitalization rates for comparable patients

PACE Is Growing Nationwide

PACE isn’t just in Kansas—it’s part of a proven way of providing care that is expanding across the country.​

In 2025, PACE is helping 80,000 seniors in 32 states.

Every year, more seniors enroll in PACE because it provides the right care, at the right time, in the right place—home.​

Who is PACE for?

  • yellow-checkmark

    Are age 55+

  • yellow-checkmark

    Have a health problem

  • yellow-checkmark

    If your monthly income is less than $3,000, there may be no cost.

In Kansas, PACE is offered by

Logo of Midland Care PACE with butterfly icon
Bluestem PaCE logo
logo for ascension living hope

All Care From PACE

PACE is a complete healthcare plan. With PACE, you do not need additional insurance. When you are enrolled in PACE, all of your medical care must come through your PACE organization. Always ask your PACE doctor, nurse, or social worker for pre-authorization of care outside PACE. If you seek non emergency care outside your PACE organization, you may be financially liable for those costs.

Page last modified Feb 13, 2026 @ 11:37 am

PACE is the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly

PACE is licensed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

PACE is a permanent benefit guaranteed by law

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