OSF PACE program serves as one-stop shop for elderly care

OSF PACE program serves as one-stop shop for elderly care

PEORIA (25News Now) – Going from doctor to doctor can be exhausting, especially for the elderly, but OSF has a program that can ease that burden.

In June, OSF HealthCare launched the state’s first PACE program, which serves as a one-stop shop for older adults.

PACE is a Medicaid and Medicare program that helps people get the care they need in the community, instead of going to a nursing home or multiple different care facilities.

“Having it all in one place, having everyone talking across the table to each other rather than in a separate location and being disconnected is truly a game changer for quality of care,” said OSF PACE Executive Director Nathan Pritzker.

After enrolling, the patient, families, and doctors meet and determine how often the patient comes and what services they require.

OSF will pick them up at their homes and bring them to the building shared with OSF Senior World in downtown Peoria.

Here, patients have access to a plethora of services, including X-rays, laboratory tests, physical and occupational therapies, mental health care, and social services.

In-network dental, vision, and audiology are available at no cost, with no copay or deductible.

“If they have a medical issue, their provider is right here. They can get that taken care of right away,” OSF PACE Intake Coordinator Lori Covey said. Pharmacy. They get to pick up their medication right here.”

To be eligible for the program, you must:

  • Be at least 55 years old
  • Meet physical eligibility requirements
  • Live in the counties of Peoria, Tazewell, Mason, and Woodruff in designated zip codes
  • Be able to live safely at home

Doctors can come to a patient’s home if a patient is unable to make it in person.

Depending on insurance coverage, there could be costs involved.

If you qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, there are no co-pays, deductibles, or premiums.

If you only have one of the two, some services require fees.

If a patient wants to pay for it without Medicaid or Medicare, Pritzker said it would cost around $4,400 per month.

If the care team recommends surgery or another hospitalization, Pritzker said it would also be covered.

16 participants are in the program right now.

“Their health has been improving, which is fantastic,” OSF PACE Social Worker Kayla Pettit said. “That risk of social isolation and, in turn, causing depression has been limited.”

You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.

link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *