Free or Expensive? PACE senior care cost in Los Angeles? | ageinplacehealth.org | (888) 839-3290

If you want extra support to live at home, or if your parents need extra support in Los Angeles county, read on:

The cost of PACE in Los Angeles, California.

Is PACE free in Los Angeles? Yes, for qualified people with full Medi-Cal, PACE is totally free.

What do you mean by Medi-Cal? Is this different from Medicare? Yes they are different;Medi-Cal is for people who are low-income or disabled. Medicare is for everyone at age 65, if you have worked 10 years in the United States.

Must I be a US Citizen to enroll in PACE? No, you do not need to be a citizen to receive PACE in California.

How do you enroll in Medi-Cal, so you can get PACE free? At some PACE centers, there are benefits teams that help with all the paperwork. Other PACE centers refer you to county offices. To enroll yourself in Medi-Cal, visit a County Office in your area.

Is there a limit to your income for Medi-Cal? Yes, there is an income limit to receive Full Medi-Cal. You will find this year's income limit inthe description area of this video. There is one income limit for individuals, and another for couples. This income can come from social security, a pension and other sources. If your income is over the Medi-Cal limit, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal by paying a monthly premium. This income level changes every year. Check the description of this video to get this year's limit. It is worth your time to find out if you are eligible for Medi-Cal.

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2023 Information Update:
o Medi-Cal income limit is $20,121/year for 1 person, and $27,214/year for a couple.
o The cost of assisted living in Los Angeles county is $5,000+ per month
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Is there a limit to your savings and assets? No. There is no "asset limit" or "savings limit" for PACE in California.

What if your income is too-high for Medi-Cal? If income is modestly higher than the Medi-Cal limit, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal by paying a monthly premium. This monthly premium is called the "share of cost." If income is much higher than the Medi-Cal limit, you will not qualify for Medi-Cal benefits.

People without Medi-Cal pay for PACE with their own funds. If you pay privately for PACE, it is comparable to the cost of assisted living in Los Angeles county. Some people pay privately for PACE, because they want the added support to live in their own home, not a facility.

With PACE, are there any co-pays that I must pay,from my own pocket? No,  there are no co-pays, no out-of-pocket payments, and no deductibles for PACE.

Does PACE take my insurance from AARP, Blue Cross or Anthem? No. PACE becomes your insurance. With PACE, you do not need any supplemental healthcare insurance, because everything is included. This makes it easier for your PACE doctor and nurses to get you the medical care you need, quickly.

How long does it take to enroll? For people enrolled in Medi-Cal, the average time to enroll in PACE is 1 to 2 months.

Do I need a medical exam? Not a full exam, but you will have a medical discussion before enrolling. PACE is exclusively for people with 1, 2, 3 or more medical conditions who have a certain level of medical need.

Who will my PACE doctor and nurse be? You will have a new doctor and nurse at PACE. Many have extra years of training for older adults.

Does PACE provide all my medical care? Yes, all your medical care, appointments, supplies, medications and services are provided for - and paid for - by PACE.

Is PACE everywhere in Los Angeles? PACE is only in certain areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties. Learn about PACE in your area, read reviews, and find out if PACE is right for you,at Ageinplacehealth.org. Age in Place Health is a consumer information servicethat makes PACE easy with helpful information, tools and articles; we are not a direct healthcare provider; Visit ageinplacehealth.org;or telephone toll-free (888) 839-3290.