Bipartisan PACE Access Improvement Act Expands Proven Care for a Growing, Underserved Population of Older Adults

WASHINGTON, DC, September 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- As America faces a growing aging crisis that is placing unprecedented demands on families, caregivers, and the health care system, the National PACE Association (NPA) today applauded the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral PACE Access Improvement Act. The legislation would expand access to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a proven, comprehensive model of care that helps older adults with complex needs remain healthy, independent, and living in their homes and communities while receiving the full spectrum of health care and long-term services and supports they need.

The legislation is being led by U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI6) and John Moolenaar (R-MI2). The U.S. Senate companion, led by Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), will be introduced in November.

“The PACE Access Improvement Act recognizes a simple reality: more older adults want to remain healthy and independent in their homes and communities, but too many still lack access to the comprehensive care that can help make that possible,” said Shawn Bloom, President and CEO of NPA. “As our nation's population ages, policymakers must invest in solutions that help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities. PACE has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality, person-centered care that improves outcomes, supports family caregivers, and enables older adults to age with dignity in their homes and communities. We are grateful to Reps. Dingell and Moolenaar for their leadership in advancing this important legislation."

“The PACE model has been successful in helping seniors and Americans with disabilities age and live with dignity. As the third-largest PACE state, Michigan’s PACE providers deliver critical long-term services for individuals wishing to remain in their homes. But too many Americans continue to sit on waitlists to receive home and community-based services,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI6). “We must do more to ensure Americans have the option to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. With this bipartisan bill, we can put these long-term supports in reach for those who need them the most.”

“Michigan seniors should have more choices when it comes to receiving the care they need, including the option to receive home care. This is especially true in rural communities where long-term care options can be limited,” said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI2). “This bipartisan legislation expands access to the PACE program, cuts unnecessary red tape, and gives more seniors the opportunity to receive high-quality care closer to home. I am proud to support this commonsense bill and will continue working to strengthen care for seniors across our state.”

PACE is a comprehensive care model serving older adults who qualify for nursing home-level care but wish to remain in their communities. Despite its proven success in improving health outcomes and reducing unnecessary institutional care, millions of eligible Americans remain unable to access the program because of regulatory and geographic barriers.

The PACE Access Improvement Act would modernize the program by:

• Expanding PACE nationwide
• Allowing eligible individuals to enroll in PACE at any time
• Streamlining PACE application and approval processes
• Improving awareness of local PACE organizations for prospective PACE participants

According to industry estimates, approximately 96 percent of Americans who could benefit from PACE currently do not have access to the program.

“PACE works, but access has not kept in step with the need,” said Bloom. “Today, far too many older adults who could benefit from this proven model simply do not have a PACE program available to them. The PACE Access Improvement Act would help close that gap by removing barriers to growth, expanding availability, and making it easier for eligible individuals and their families to access PACE. NPA urges Congress to advance the legislation and expand access to PACE for older adults and their families across the country.”

About National PACE Association

The National PACE Association (NPA) works to advance the efforts of PACE programs, which coordinate and provide preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services so older individuals can continue living in the community. The PACE model of care is centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families to be served in the community whenever possible. For more information, visit NPAonline.org and follow @TweetNPA on X.

Media Contact

Mandy Frohlich
National PACE Association
MandyF@npaonline.org