In the course of the pandemic, some elder care fashions have been profitable, others weren’t. The Program for All-Inclusive Aged Care (PACE) was one which did simply that.

In 2023, PACE enrollment exceeded 70,000 members and has seen enrollment development of greater than 40% since 2019.

Many dwelling care suppliers have already began utilizing PACE. Jacksonville-based Alivia Care – a house well being and hospice supplier – has even turn into a PACE administrator itself.

However earlier than suppliers can turn into PACE companions or members, they should be as ready as potential previous to the enrollment course of.

“We've actually seen elevated competitors for RFPs lately, which has required organizations to essentially assume forward and put together for an RFP launch,” Tina Hansen Pickett, managing director of ATI Advisory's Medicare innovation observe, mentioned Tuesday throughout a webinar.

Typically, PACE members reside of their respective communities earlier than enrolling, however are patents who can be eligible for nursing dwelling placement primarily based on their degree of incapacity and care wants.

PACE suppliers present options for medical, bodily, emotional and social wants – lots of that are centered round a PACE heart. A PACE heart is a bodily facility during which this system provides an grownup day heart, medical clinic, dental and different companies.

A PACE supplier – like InnovAge for instance, one of many largest PACE suppliers – will enroll these members and obtain capitalized funds from Medicare and Medicaid.

PACE organizations or companies – together with well being care suppliers, insurers, or group organizations – might concern an RFP to solicit proposals from potential companions keen on taking part in or offering companies for the PACE program.

These proposals define how a company plans to fulfill the necessities and targets outlined within the RFP. The functions will embody particulars of the companies they may present, their {qualifications} and expertise, their proposed price range and every other related data.

One of many methods ATI Advisory consultants advocate is being enthusiastic about each reply and doing the homework beforehand.

“You completely should grasp every part,” Jad Gong, senior advisor at ATI Advisory, mentioned through the webinar. “It's nonetheless very stunning while you take a look at the registrations of those that gained and those that didn't, simply the small variations within the registrations.”

A supplier's bandwidth and capabilities are one other necessary a part of the equation.

“Particularly in case you're new to PACE,” Gong mentioned. “It’s completely potential that PACE is possible in your market, however not possible for you. This requires cautious consideration. There are a lot of unknowns on this course of and there shall be many unknowns as you set collectively your RFP. Particularly in case you're new to this, be sure to're dedicated and comfy with the quantity of threat you'll be taking up.”

Organizations really useful by Gong do their very own inside strain take a look at. What would this imply for management? What’s your threat tolerance as an organization?

As PACE expands to extra states, there isn't a lot concrete proof that may be certain that well being care suppliers in a given state obtain a sure reimbursement charge.

Sure choices additionally range from state to state.

“You’ll need to deliver operational data of PACE in case you don't have already got it in your group,” Gong mentioned. “All states require totally different start-up plans from month to month with a lot of particulars. In the case of delivering companies, they’re going to ask you ways you’d operationalize sure elements corresponding to community improvement, transportation and different features of this system.”

After changing into an skilled on these RFPs, Gong reiterated that the method will drive organizations to actually perceive their very own strengths and – maybe extra importantly – their weaknesses.