Seniors receive full medical and dental care while living at home, with zero out-of-pocket costs or hassle.

The PACE program for seniors offers a complete healthcare solution designed for elderly individuals who want to live safely at home with full medical support.

PACE brings together doctors, dentists, therapists, and care coordinators into one unified system focused entirely on the senior’s health, comfort, and quality of life.

It’s available in many states and is funded by Medicare and Medicaid, offering everything from prescriptions to dentures to transportation—at no cost to eligible participants.

In the sections below, you’ll discover how PACE works, who qualifies, what dental services it covers, and how to apply for this all-in-one program today.

What are the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)?

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid initiative that provides complete medical, dental, and personal care for seniors who qualify for nursing-home-level assistance while living at home.

The PACE program for seniors is managed by nonprofit organizations and healthcare networks approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in participating states.

This model integrates doctors, dentists, therapists, home care aides, and social workers into a single system focused on each senior’s personalized needs and long-term care planning.

PACE supports independence by offering every type of care in one place—minimizing confusion, preventing hospitalizations, and improving the overall well-being of aging adults across the country.

What Does PACE Offer?

• Medical Appointments: Routine and specialist visits with doctors that manage chronic conditions, prescriptions, and lab tests all in one clinic.
• Dental Care: Preventive services, dentures, oral exams, extractions, cleanings, and in some locations, restorative options like crowns or implants.
• Prescriptions: All medications are covered and delivered as part of the participant’s custom care plan, with monitoring for side effects and safety.
• Transportation: Free rides to and from appointments, the PACE center, therapy sessions, and adult day care programs.
• In-Home Support: Personal care aides assist with hygiene, mobility, meals, and medication reminders to keep seniors independent longer.
• Rehabilitation Services: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy offered regularly and coordinated by in-house specialists.
• Nutrition & Meals: On-site meals or home-delivered options tailored to medical conditions, dietary needs, and individual preferences.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, seniors must meet age, residency, and medical guidelines. Each applicant is assessed to confirm they require nursing-level care but can remain safely at home.

The PACE program for seniors specifically helps those with chronic health challenges who wish to avoid institutionalization but still require daily medical or functional assistance.

• ✅ Age 55 or older: Applicants must be at least 55 years old at the time of enrollment in their local PACE provider.
• ✅ Live in a service area: Must reside in a ZIP code where PACE services are actively available and accepting new participants.
• ✅ Need nursing-home-level care: A clinical evaluation must confirm you qualify for the level of care provided in skilled nursing facilities.
• ✅ Safe to live at home: You must be able to remain safely in your home with the support of the PACE care team.
• ✅ Medicaid or Medicare eligible: Applicants must qualify for one or both programs or be willing to pay privately if accepted.

What dental treatments are covered?

PACE includes dental services as part of its medical coverage, ensuring seniors have access to preventive and restorative care without extra appointments, bills, or hidden costs.

Each participant receives an individualized care plan, and dental services are coordinated with primary care—making it convenient, affordable, and easy to maintain oral health.

In some states and situations, the PACE program for seniors includes full dentures, crowns, or even dental implants when they are medically necessary and clinically approved.

Oral Exams and Cleanings

Regular oral exams help prevent complications and monitor oral health. Cleanings are also offered as part of basic hygiene care included in each participant’s plan.

The PACE program for seniors makes sure that dental maintenance is consistent, accessible, and integrated with general medical oversight for better long-term results.

Extractions and Fillings

If a tooth is decayed or broken, PACE dentists can remove it safely and provide fillings to repair cavities and preserve remaining teeth.

These procedures help reduce pain, prevent infection, and maintain chewing ability—critical for elderly patients who are already vulnerable to nutritional risks.

Full Dentures and Partials

Many seniors need full or partial dentures to restore chewing, speech, and facial structure. PACE can provide them at no cost when they’re deemed necessary.

The dental team handles fittings, adjustments, and follow-up visits to make sure the prosthetics work well and improve overall comfort and daily living.

Implants and Restorative Care

In select cases, dental implants may be included in treatment plans when no other solution is effective or tolerated by the participant’s condition.

While not guaranteed, the PACE program for seniors sometimes includes implants when clinically justified and approved by the program’s dental director.

How to apply for free dental care through PACE?

Applying starts with finding a local PACE provider in your area. If you qualify, all medical and dental care is handled through one program and coordinated for you.

The PACE program for seniors simplifies every step—from evaluation to treatment—making it easy to access quality care without navigating multiple clinics, referrals, or insurance networks.

Step 1 – Check Your Location

PACE is only available in specific ZIP codes. Visit the official PACE website or call your state’s Medicaid office to confirm if your city is included.

You’ll also be able to see which providers operate nearby and whether they are currently accepting new applicants for enrollment.

Step 2 – Attend a Home or Clinic Evaluation

A nurse or care coordinator will evaluate your health and home safety to determine if you qualify for nursing-home-level support under PACE.

During this process, they will assess whether you can benefit from services under the PACE program for seniors, including dental and home care options.

Step 3 – Submit Required Documents

You may be asked to provide identification, proof of age, income documentation, medical records, and Medicare or Medicaid enrollment status.

Your information is reviewed by the local PACE center to ensure you meet all the eligibility and coverage requirements for the program.

Step 4 – Meet the Care Team

Once conditionally approved, you’ll visit the PACE center and meet your future care team—doctors, dentists, and support staff who’ll create your personal plan.

If applicable, your dental care needs—including cleanings, dentures, or implants—are discussed and documented for future treatment.

Step 5 – Enrollment and Start of Care

Once officially enrolled, you begin receiving care from your assigned team. All appointments, procedures, and medications are included with zero additional costs.

This includes services covered under the PACE program for seniors, ensuring both medical and dental needs are addressed under one coordinated plan.

Average wait time and case prioritization

Most PACE providers respond within days, and services begin within a few weeks. Priority is given to patients with urgent medical or home care needs.

Dental procedures are scheduled after enrollment, based on severity, availability, and the overall health plan defined by your assigned PACE team.

In which states is PACE available?

The PACE program for seniors is available in over 30 states, with more cities adding services each year. Availability depends on your ZIP code and provider capacity.

• California
• New York
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Florida
• North Carolina
• Colorado
• Virginia
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
  States with the most participating dentists: California, New York, and Pennsylvania.

How to check if your region is included

Visit the official PACE program site and enter your ZIP code to verify if services are available in your area and which providers operate locally.

If unavailable, you may see nearby counties or cities that do offer PACE, or be redirected to the state Medicaid office for alternative care suggestions.

The PACE program for seniors continues expanding, so rechecking regularly can help if you were previously outside a service zone but qualify now.

What are the benefits of using PACE?

The PACE program for seniors gives access to full medical and dental care, transportation, home support, and therapy—all included in one seamless, no-cost plan.

Unlike standard Medicare or Medicaid, PACE patients never have to manage multiple doctors or appointments alone. Everything is handled by one dedicated and coordinated team.

It’s more than healthcare—it’s a way for seniors to maintain dignity, autonomy, and safety at home, even with serious health challenges or chronic medical needs.

Full Coverage Without Bills

PACE pays for everything—dentist visits, medical treatments, medications, home aides, and transportation—without copays, surprise charges, or confusing paperwork.

It’s perfect for low-income seniors or those overwhelmed by managing multiple insurance plans or doctors who don’t communicate with each other.

Quality Coordinated Care

With the PACE program for seniors, all services are integrated—your doctors, dentists, and therapists work together under one system, sharing updates and improving outcomes.

This model reduces emergency visits, prevents miscommunication, and offers better long-term care planning than fragmented service options.

Independence at Home

PACE was designed to help seniors stay in their homes longer instead of moving to assisted living or nursing facilities prematurely.

With daily support from care aides, access to transportation, and medical supervision, participants live safer and happier lives at home.

Personalized Support Plans

Each patient gets a custom care plan, built by a team that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and family caregivers.

This ensures your needs—dental, medical, emotional—are fully addressed in a plan that evolves as your condition changes.

Peace of Mind for Families

PACE doesn’t just help the patient—it relieves pressure on loved ones who often serve as caregivers without support.

Knowing your family member is safe, cared for, and monitored gives everyone a greater sense of calm and security.

Check other options: DDS (Donated Dental Services)!

If PACE isn’t available near you, another excellent alternative is DDS—a volunteer-driven program offering free dental treatments for seniors and people with disabilities.

Unlike the PACE program for seniors, DDS focuses specifically on dental care and connects patients with licensed professionals who donate their time and expertise.

DDS may offer implants, dentures, and extractions completely free for qualifying individuals who don’t have insurance or access to other assistance programs.

Want to learn how DDS compares to PACE? Read our full guide to Donated Dental Services and discover if it’s a better fit for your situation.