Senate Bill 207 Aims to Bring All-Inclusive Care to Nevada’s Elderly

CARSON CITY, NV⁤ – March 11, 2025 – Nevada is considering joining the ranks of states offering comprehensive care ‍to its elderly population through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for⁢ the Elderly (PACE).⁤ Peter Fitzgerald, ‍representing the National PACE Association (NPA), addressed the ⁣Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services earlier this ⁤month, advocating for Senate Bill 207. This bill proposes the establishment ⁤of a PACE program within the state, a move that‍ could ⁤considerably impact the lives of older ​Nevadans.

PACE programs are designed to allow⁣ individuals who require nursing home-level care to remain in their homes and communities [[1]]. This is achieved by providing⁣ a ​comprehensive suite of​ medical and social services tailored to the individual’s needs [[3]].

Nevada’s Aging Population Drives the need for Innovative care Solutions

With a growing population of ⁤individuals aged ​65 and over, Nevada⁢ faces increasing demands for elder care services. The NPA has been a long-time advocate for PACE in Nevada, ​recognizing its⁤ potential ‌to address these needs effectively. Currently, PACE programs operate in 33 states and the District of‌ Columbia,⁤ demonstrating its widespread acceptance and proven ⁣track record.

A significant portion of ⁢PACE participants, almost half, ‌are living with ​Alzheimer’s‍ disease or dementia. This highlights the program’s ‍crucial role in supporting individuals with cognitive ​impairments and their families.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has also‌ played ​a role in advancing PACE initiatives.Enhanced‌ funding ‌through ⁢ARPA ⁣has ​enabled ⁢states like‌ Nevada to⁣ thoroughly evaluate their unique healthcare ‍needs and ⁤explore the ⁣implementation of‍ PACE programs [[2]].

PACE: A Model⁤ for High-Quality, Cost-Effective Care

According ‌to Fitzgerald, PACE offers a compelling solution for Nevada: “PACE has a ​triumphant track record of keeping individuals living in their homes‍ and communities rather of a nursing home by providing all the necessary services and support, and ⁤has proven its ‍value ‍in both urban and rural communities.”

One ⁤of the key strengths of‍ PACE is its ability to​ integrate healthcare and social ⁣services,providing a holistic‌ approach to care. This⁢ model not only improves the ‍quality of life for older adults but also generates ‍cost savings for taxpayers. By preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and nursing home placements, PACE helps to optimize healthcare spending.

Federally Qualified Health ‍Centers (FQHCs) are notably well-suited to developing and operating PACE programs. Currently, 20 FQHCs across the contry ‍are ⁢successfully running PACE programs, demonstrating⁢ the strong alignment between the two models.

Potential Challenges and Counterarguments

While PACE ⁤offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential challenges. One ⁤concern might be the‌ initial investment required to establish a ⁤PACE program. However,studies have shown ​that the long-term cost savings associated with PACE ⁣outweigh the upfront costs.

Another potential counterargument is that PACE may not be suitable for all older adults. Individuals with⁢ very complex medical needs or those who require ⁣24-hour supervision may still ⁣benefit from ⁣nursing home care. However, PACE can‍ serve a significant portion ​of the ‌elderly population, providing a valuable choice to institutionalization.

Looking Ahead: The Future ‍of Elder Care in Nevada

The NPA is urging the‍ Nevada legislature to ‍approve senate Bill 207 and initiate the⁤ process⁤ of bringing PACE to ‌the state. sen. Angela ‍Taylor (D-15),vice chair ​of ⁢the Senate ​Committee on Health and human Services,is the​ primary sponsor ‌of the bill,signaling⁤ strong support for the initiative.

The implementation​ of PACE in Nevada would represent a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to provide​ high-quality, person-centered care to‍ its‍ aging population. By embracing ‌innovative models like ⁤PACE, Nevada can ensure ⁢that ‍its older adults have the chance to live with ‍dignity ⁤and independence in their own homes and communities for⁣ as long as⁢ possible.