Program of All inclusive Care for the Elderly : An Evidence-Based Patient -Centered, Comprehensive, Collaborative and Coordinated Care Model for Age 65 and above

It is estimated that the older American population (Age 65 and above)is expected to increase from 35,000,000 in 2000 to 71,000,000 in 2030 comprising roughly 20% of the U.S. population. The health care needs of this age group are disproportionately high and clinically complex, and it is expected that approximately 70% of them will require some form of long-term care assistance and services because of their chronic illness or disabling conditions. It is also estimated that there are more than 3,000,000 Americans of all ages whose mix of serious disability and chronic illness places them at the highest risk for functional decline, hospitalization, or nursing home placement. In 2010, the average daily cost of a private nursing home room was $247 or $90,155 annually. Federal and State governments struggle to contain the spiraling health care cost and improve the quality of patient care while promoting prevention and strengthening public health as expenses continue to rise. Therefore, Program of All inclusive Care (PACE ) Model is a very logical approach to the problem as it has demonstrated significant health outcomes such as fewer hospitalizations, fewer nursing home admissions, longer survival rates, better health & quality of life, and better functional status at a much reduced cost. PACE offers a full continuum of preventive, primary, acute, rehabilitative, and long-term care services while integrating all Medicare and Medicaid services into one seamless service package for beneficiaries.PACE Model of care needs to be encouraged as an alternative to contain cost in long-term care.