FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Element Care different?
If you do not qualify for Medicaid (MassHealth), can you still be eligible for PACE.
Do PACE participants have to change their Primary Care Physician?
What hospitals and specialists does Element Care contract with?
Does Element Care provide home maker or personal care services?
Are prescription drugs covered?
How do people get to the Adult Day Health Center?
Do PACE participants attend the Adult Day Health Center every day?
What happens if a PACE participant needs nursing home care?
What happens if a person wants to leave PACE?
What are the hours of the ADHC?
How does this program support caregivers?
What transportation is offered?
Does PACE offer meals, snacks, and meals on wheels?
Does Element care offer preventative health care?
What is the cost of the program?
What makes Element Care different?
Element Care is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with a mission to help seniors live safely and comfortable at home for as long as they can and keep stays in hospitals and nursing facilities as minimal as possible. PACE offers highly coordinated care through a team of interdisciplinary professionals, including but not limited to – Primary Care Physicians, Nurses, Occupational and Physical Therapists, Behavioral Health Clinicians, Home Health Aides, Nutritionists, Activity Specialists and more. Learn more here.
How do I qualify for PACE?
To be eligible for PACE, an individual must be age 55 or older, want to live in the community but need enough assistance to qualify for nursing home care, be able to live safely in the community and live within our service area. Visit our eligibility page for more details.
If you do not qualify for Medicaid (MassHealth), can you still be eligible for PACE?
Yes. If a person meets the income and assets limits to qualify for Medicaid, Element Care pays for a portion of the monthly PACE premium; Medicare pays for the remainder. Individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid are responsible for the portion of the monthly premium Medicaid would pay. If you are unsure about your Medicaid eligibility, give us a call at 1 (877) 803-5564 (TTY 711) and our staff can help determine if you qualify.
Do PACE participants have to change their Primary Care Physician?
Yes. The most important aspect of PACE is the tight coordination of care across the care team. The PCP is able to coordinate the care on-site with the care team, allowing for better communication and coordination of services. However, you can see your current physician for a consult up to two times a year when you enroll.
What hospitals and specialists does Element Care contract with?
Element Care contracts with a number of hospitals and specialists within our service area of the North Shore, Merrimack Valley and the Northeast region of the Middlesex County. To find out if your specialist is contracted with Element Care, please call us at 1 (877) 803-5564 [TTY 711].
Does Element Care provide home maker or personal care services?
Yes, these services are provided as deemed medically necessary by the Care Team. Home maker services can include tasks such as light cleaning, laundry, meal prep, etc. Personal Care Services can include services such as assistance with transferring, showering and getting dressed. The care provided is task oriented and generally not appropriate for individuals needing 24-hour care to remain safely at home.
Are prescription drugs covered?
Yes. All prescription and non-prescription drugs deemed medically necessary by Element Care’s Care Team are paid for by Element Care.
How do people get to the PACE Adult Day Health Center?
PACE provides transportation to the center which is a key benefit of PACE. Transportation is provided between home and PACE centers, as well as to and from appointments with specialists and other medically necessary activities.
Do PACE participants attend the Adult Day Health Center (ADH) every day?
No. On average, PACE participants visit the center three times a week. Attendance is based on individual needs and can range from once a week to several days a week, as needed. Participants are not required to attend the PACE ADH to enroll.
What happens if a PACE participant needs nursing home care?
The goal of PACE is to keep participants in their own home for as long as possible. However, if at some point it is in the best interest of the participant to receive care in a nursing home, PACE will pay for the care, and the supervision of the Care Team will continue.
What happens if a person wants to leave PACE?
A PACE participant has the right to disenroll from PACE at any time and resume care with the providers of their choice. Disenrollment occurs on the 1st of every month. For example, if a participant requests to disenroll on June 20th, their official date of disenrollment from the program will be July 1st.
What are the hours of the ADHC?
The PACE Adult Day Health Centers are open from 8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. However, most participants arrive between 9:00am – 10:00am and leave between 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
How does this program support caregivers?
PACE provides complete coordination of all medical care including 24/7 access to medical professionals, respite care at Adult Day Health Centers, home care and coordination of all specialty care allowing caregivers to spend more quality time with their loved one.
What transportation is offered?
Transportation to and from PACE Adult Day Health Centers as well as medical appointments are provided by the program and at no cost to eligible participants.
Does PACE offer meals, snacks, and meals on wheels?
Participants can enjoy a daily nutritious breakfast and lunch at the PACE Adult Day Health Centers. Element Care does provide meal delivery to homebound participants, as deemed necessary by the medical team.
Does Element Care offer preventative health care?
Element Care’s mission is to keep our participants healthy and living in the community for as long as possible. In order to achieve this mission, the medical team at Element Care is very focused on providing preventative care. From teaching participants the value of nutrition to encouraging physical activity, our comprehensive care plan addresses all of our participant’s needs to keep them living at home safely and comfortably.
What is the cost of the program?
For participants that qualify for Medicare & Medicaid there are no premiums, copays, or out-of-pocket expenses. If a participant does not qualify for Medicaid, there is a small monthly premium. Private pay options are also available which are a fraction of the cost of nursing homes.
How is Emergency Care provided?
PACE participants have access to Element Care nurses and medical teams 24/7. If there is a medical emergency, participants are directed to call 911. When PACE is notified we assist in getting the hospital medical information and work with them on discharge planning to ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home.
What dental and vision services are covered?
Dental coverage includes cleanings, routine exams/procedures, and dentures. Vision coverage includes routine exams and glasses as medically necessary.
“I would tell other veterans that everything you need is covered…All your medical, including medications are included. If you need surgery, it’s covered, along with transportation to any medical appointments. PACE has been a blessing for me!”
– Paul
“I would tell other veterans that everything you need is covered…All your medical, including medications are included. If you need surgery, it’s covered, along with transportation to any medical appointments. PACE has been a blessing for me!”
– Paul
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Element Care PACE
235 Woodland North
Lynn MA 01904
Upon enrollment participants must receive all health care, primary care and specialist physician services–other than emergency services–as authorized by PACE, or be fully and personally liable for costs of unauthorized services.
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Last updated Aug 19 2019