All About Great Lakes PACE

What is the difference between Great Lakes PACE and a nursing home?

Great Lakes PACE is an alternative to a nursing home for eligible seniors who wish to continue living in their home as long as possible. Great Lakes PACE is focused on preventive care and services in your home, our community, and within the day health center.

Are there financial requirements for participating in PACE?

More than 90% of PACE participants are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare. To qualify for Medicaid, an individual must meet income and asset eligibility requirements and provide proof of the information in a Medicaid Application.

What does PACE stand for?

“Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.” PACE is a comprehensive, coordinated health care program sponsored by Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds, which provide medically necessary services and care.

Getting Started with Great Lakes PACE

How do I get started with Great Lakes PACE?

The process begins at your home with a visit from our Intake Coordinator. You are welcome to include whichever support person(s) you choose to join us. We will review your eligibility and your health status. If it appears you qualify, the Intake Coordinator will provide an evaluation of your care needs and arrange a visit to Great Lakes PACE so you can meet and receive assessments from the Great Lakes PACE Medical Team. Following enrollment, you will receive a personalized plan of care describing the services you will receive.

Are prescription drugs and office visits covered? Will I have co-pays?

All prescription and non-prescription drugs, along with all office visits deemed necessary by the interdisciplinary team, are covered 100 percent by Great Lakes PACE. As long as you are enrolled with Great Lakes PACE, you will never experience an out-of-pocket cost for health care.

Do I have to give up my current doctor if I enroll in PACE?

When you enroll with Great Lakes PACE, our physician will become your primary care doctor. You will have the chance to meet with the PACE physician who will be serving you when you come to the Center before joining the program. Great Lakes PACE allows you to continue to see your current doctor up to twice a year for consultation; however, the PACE physician is the sole provider who can prescribe medications and authorized care and services.

Please note that PACE may refer you to other providers and specialists, and assures access to necessary services, but does not guarantee access to a specific provider.

Can I still enroll with PACE even if I don’t qualify for Medicaid?

Yes. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, there is a monthly fee that you are responsible to pay. PACE program staff can help determine a person’s Medicaid eligibility.

How do I qualify for Great Lakes PACE?

To be eligible for PACE, you must be:

• 55 years of age or older
• Certified by the State of Michigan to meet nursing home level of care
• Able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment with the support of Great Lakes PACE
• Live in the Great Lakes PACE service area.

When You’re A PACE Participant

How often will I go to the Day Center?

On average Great Lakes PACE participants come 2-3 days a week. Some may attend one day per week and some every day based on individual needs. Your care team will help create a plan with you to determine what is best for your individual needs.

What happens if I want to leave the PACE program?

You are free to dis-enroll from PACE and resume benefits in traditional Medicare and Medicaid programs the first day of the following month. Your PACE Social Worker will assist you throughout this transition.

How do I get to the Great Lakes PACE facility?

Our staff can provide assistance starting inside your home and getting you comfortably settled into one of our specially equipped vehicles to take you to:

• Our Adult Day Center
• Appointments to medical specialists
• Activities arranged and approved by our interdisciplinary team

Families may also opt to transport their loved ones to Great Lakes PACE.

What happens if I have a health problem at night?

Great Lakes PACE provides access to the necessary care you need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our PACE Center and On-Call Answering Service.

Grievances

What is a grievance and how do I file one?

A grievance is a complaint, either written or oral, expressing dissatisfaction with the services or the quality of your care provided by Great Lakes PACE. You may file a grievance with any PACE staff member at any time. Grievances can be filed in person, fax, mail, or telephone. To file a grievance by telephone or for status updates and process questions regarding a filed grievance, please contact our Quality Manager at  (989) 272-7610. Or deliver in person or by mail:

Quality Manager, Great Lakes PACE, 3378 Fashion Square Blvd, Saginaw, MI 48603.

Get access to forms and complete information on grievances.