A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
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The PACE Access Improvement Act updates rules for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly under Medicare and Medicaid.
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It allows eligible individuals to enroll in a PACE program at any time during a month, starting January 1, 2027.
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The bill streamlines the application and approval processes for new PACE providers, service area expansions, and new center sites.
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It requires states to offer PACE program services to eligible individuals after specific compliance dates.
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It removes certain marketing and outreach restrictions for PACE programs to make it easier to reach prospective participants.
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Finally, the legislation repeals outdated numerical limitations on the number of individuals who can be enrolled or programs that can operate.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +8
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill directly improves healthcare access, enrollment flexibility, and service availability for older Americans under the PACE program.
- Scored +8
Would retired people be better off under this?
Retirees benefit significantly from anytime enrollment, removal of enrollment caps, and broader availability of PACE programs.
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The legislation enables anytime enrollment, faster provider expansions, and removes numerical enrollment limits for PACE programs.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Does this give the federal government more power?
The legislation imposes new federal mandates requiring states to offer PACE program services by specified compliance dates.
- Scored -3
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
States are mandated to provide PACE services and face restrictions on setting numerical enrollment limits.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2: Allows eligible individuals to enroll in a PACE program at any time during a month rather than waiting for a specific start date, and ensures payments are prorated. This makes joining the program more flexible and accessible for seniors when they need care.
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Section 3: Speeds up approvals for new PACE providers, service areas, and center sites by automatically approving applications unless the Secretary denies them within 45 days. This can lead to faster availability of elderly care facilities and services in communities.
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Section 4: Requires states to provide medical assistance for PACE program services to eligible individuals. This ensures that qualifying seniors will have access to these comprehensive care programs through their state medical assistance plans.
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Section 5: Repeals burdensome regulatory restrictions on marketing, allowing PACE programs to conduct marketing activities and use conditionally approved materials as soon as they submit a complete application. This helps seniors and their families learn about available care options much sooner.
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Section 6: Repeals outdated numerical limitations on PACE enrollments and provider operations. This removes artificial caps, allowing more elderly individuals to participate in these care programs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 4: Mandates that states offer PACE program services and provide medical assistance by a set compliance date. For states that do not currently have these programs fully established, this could create a heavy administrative and financial burden to quickly set up the required infrastructure.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees benefit significantly from anytime enrollment, removal of enrollment caps, and broader availability of PACE programs. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill directly improves healthcare access, enrollment flexibility, and service availability for older Americans under the PACE program. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Requiring states to provide PACE program services to eligible individuals helps low-income seniors access comprehensive care. Would business owners be better off under this? — PACE providers and related businesses benefit from streamlined application processes, faster expansions, and reduced regulatory burdens. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The expansion of PACE program services helps older individuals with significant care needs access comprehensive support. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Streamlined service area expansions help bring PACE senior care centers closer to rural and underserved communities. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Older veterans who qualify for Medicaid or Medicare can benefit from improved access to comprehensive elder care programs.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The legislation enables anytime enrollment, faster provider expansions, and removes numerical enrollment limits for PACE programs. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The bill requires states to offer PACE program services to eligible individuals qualifying for medical assistance. Does this help veterans get medical care? — Older veterans who qualify for PACE programs will benefit from expanded access and streamlined enrollment options.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill streamlines approval processes and reduces regulatory burdens for PACE program providers.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Faster approval processes for service area expansions help bring PACE senior care services to more communities, including underserved ones.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill establishes clear timelines and automatic deemed approval processes for PACE provider applications. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation imposes new federal mandates requiring states to offer PACE program services by specified compliance dates. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — States are mandated to provide PACE services and face restrictions on setting numerical enrollment limits.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Expanding access to comprehensive care programs for low-income older adults helps alleviate financial strain associated with eldercare.
- 11/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jack BergmanRepublican · Michigan
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan