Representatives Introduced PACE Improvement Act
The proposed legislation seeks to expand senior healthcare access by mandating PACE services under Medicaid.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Eldercare
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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell and John Moolenaar introduced the PACE Improvement Act to streamline healthcare for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill aims to increase care access by allowing year-round enrollment and removing constraints on organizational expansion.
Why it matters
By making PACE a mandatory Medicaid service and removing application limits, the bill intends to reduce waitlists for community-based care. It is designed to allow more seniors to receive integrated Medicare and Medicaid benefits while living independently.
PACE programs currently support 6,500 individuals in Michigan, a fraction of the 350,000 residents statewide who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The proposed legislation seeks to broaden this reach by permitting year-round enrollment.
The players
Debbie Dingell
Debbie Dingell is a U.S. Representative representing Michigan's 6th congressional district and a primary sponsor of the bill.
John Moolenaar
John Moolenaar is a U.S. Representative representing Michigan's 2nd congressional district and a co-sponsor of the PACE Improvement Act.
The details
The PACE Improvement Act proposes transforming PACE into a mandatory Medicaid service to provide greater flexibility for beneficiaries. Additionally, the legislation removes existing limitations on organizations seeking to achieve PACE status to facilitate broader program availability.
Timeline
Representatives introduced the PACE Improvement Act in September 2026.
Dingell and Moolenaar previously introduced PACE-related legislation in 2023.
Culture Shift
The PACE Improvement Act reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing home and community-based services over institutional long-term care for aging populations. This evolution aligns with national trends aimed at helping seniors maintain independence through integrated medical models.
For families navigating the healthcare system, this legislation could simplify the enrollment process and increase the availability of home-based support services. Residents may find more opportunities to access integrated care options that allow seniors to remain in their homes longer.
The takeaway
The proposed bill aims to modernize how PACE operates to better serve the needs of dually eligible seniors nationwide. Advocates hope these changes will successfully address long-standing capacity issues in community-based care programs.
Further reading
For more information on national healthcare resources, visit Eldercare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
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Should the federal government mandate that home-based care programs for the elderly be expanded?
