InnovAge PACE Centers: The Complete Guide for Seniors in FL, CA, CO, NM, PA & VA

What Is InnovAge?

InnovAge is a healthcare organization dedicated to helping older adults maintain their independence at home and in their communities, rather than moving into nursing facilities. This mission is accomplished through PACE, a comprehensive Medicare and Medicaid program that integrates all aspects of a senior’s healthcare into a single, coordinated plan.

Founded in 1989 in Colorado as Total Community Options, Inc., InnovAge has been a PACE organization since its inception. Over the past 35 years, it has expanded from the Denver metro area to six states, making it one of the most experienced PACE operators in the U.S.

Now publicly traded and operating as a for-profit entity since a 2016 acquisition, InnovAge has faced scrutiny regarding its ownership structure. However, it continues to provide essential services to thousands of seniors who might otherwise lack access to comprehensive care.

InnovAge offers a dedicated team of 11 healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists—who collaborate to create and manage personalized care plans. This model eliminates fragmented referrals and insurance pre-authorization battles, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

InnovAge Centers by State

InnovAge operates PACE centers in six states. Below is an overview of each state’s program, enrollment status, and key contacts:

California PACE Application Pause — What You Need to Know

Update effective November 20, 2025: The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has paused all new PACE program applications for a minimum of two years. Existing participants will continue to receive their benefits without interruption.

What this means for California families:

• You cannot newly enroll in any California PACE program during the pause period.
• Existing participants are unaffected. Care continues normally for those already enrolled.
• Waitlist options may exist. Contact InnovAge California for waitlist information.
• Alternative programs exist. Seniors may qualify for HCBS Medicaid waiver programs during the pause.
• The pause timeline is uncertain. The two-year minimum could be extended.

This information is crucial for families making care decisions, as many sources may not mention the pause. If you encounter claims of current enrollment in California, be cautious as that information may be outdated.

What InnovAge PACE Covers

InnovAge PACE encompasses all Medicare- and Medicaid-eligible services, plus additional care determined by the interdisciplinary team. The program is structured around six service categories:

Medical Care

• Primary care physician visits at the InnovAge center
• Specialist referrals (cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology, etc.)
• Emergency and hospital care
• Laboratory work, X-rays, and diagnostic imaging
• All prescription medications approved by the care team
• Over-the-counter medications as clinically directed
• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
• Preventive screenings and immunizations

Therapy and Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Recreational therapy and structured activities
• Skilled inpatient rehabilitation following hospitalization

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

InnovAge PACE covers dental exams, cleanings, dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids when deemed medically necessary, a significant advantage over standard Medicare.

Home and Personal Care

• Home health aide services
• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Homemaker and housekeeping services
• Nutritional counseling and meal support
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Home safety assessments and modifications

Transportation

InnovAge provides transportation to and from the PACE day center and other approved care-related activities, included in the program without separate billing.

Behavioral Health and Social Services

• Mental health counseling and psychiatric services
• Dementia care and behavioral management
• Social work services
• Caregiver training and support groups
• Adult day health programs and recreation
• Meals served at the InnovAge day center
• End-of-life planning and palliative care coordination

Nursing Home Care

If necessary, InnovAge covers nursing home care while ensuring that the participant’s IDT supervises their care.

InnovAge vs. Other PACE Providers

As one of the largest PACE operators, InnovAge offers a unique comparison to smaller nonprofit organizations. Key factors include:

The core benefits are the same everywhere. All PACE organizations provide the same foundational benefits mandated by federal law. The differences lie in care quality, center culture, and local community engagement. Visiting a center in person is recommended before enrolling.

Who Qualifies for InnovAge PACE?

Eligibility for InnovAge PACE follows federal guidelines:

1. Age 55 or older. No upper age limit.
2. Live in an InnovAge service area. Confirm your address falls within the service zone.
3. Require nursing-home-level care. Your health conditions must meet state certification.
4. Able to live safely in the community with PACE support. This is assessed during the initial evaluation.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance status determines costs:

• Dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid): Free
• Medicare only: Monthly premium required
• Medicaid only: Free
• No Medicare or Medicaid: Private-pay option available

Who Cannot Enroll

Enrollment is not possible if currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or receiving hospice services.

What Does InnovAge PACE Cost?

Costs vary based on insurance status:

Even for private-pay participants, InnovAge PACE is typically less expensive than a private-pay nursing home bed.

Will InnovAge Help Me Apply for Medicaid?

Yes, InnovAge staff can assist with the Medicaid application process.

How to Enroll in InnovAge PACE

The enrollment process typically takes two to six weeks:

1. Call InnovAge or use their online finder.
2. Have an initial eligibility conversation.
3. Schedule a comprehensive health assessment.
4. Complete state certification for nursing-home-level care.
5. Apply for Medicaid if not already enrolled.
6. Disenroll from conflicting coverage.
7. Sign the enrollment agreement and begin coverage.

Enrollment is voluntary and reversible. You can disenroll at any time without penalty.

The InnovAge Care Team: 11 Professionals, One Plan

Each InnovAge participant has a dedicated team of up to 11 professionals managing their care:

• Primary care physician
• Registered nurse
• Social worker
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Recreational therapist
• Registered dietitian
• PACE center supervisor
• Home care coordinator
• Personal care attendant representative
• Transportation coordinator

This team conducts regular assessments and coordinates care, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

Is InnovAge Right for Your Family?

InnovAge PACE Makes Strong Sense When:

• Your loved one is dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
• You are spending hours coordinating care.
• Your loved one has multiple chronic conditions.
• A nursing home is being discussed, but your loved one prefers to stay home.
• Family caregiver burnout is a concern.
• Your loved one lives in a county served by InnovAge.

Consider Alternatives When:

• Your loved one has a strong relationship with a specialist outside the InnovAge network.
• Your loved one is in California and needs new enrollment (currently paused).
• Your loved one lives outside InnovAge’s service areas.
• Your loved one’s condition is stable under current insurance.
• Your loved one is resistant to the day center attendance requirement.

Our recommendation: Call InnovAge for a free eligibility conversation to determine if InnovAge PACE is a fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions About InnovAge

Is InnovAge a government program?

InnovAge is a private company operating PACE programs funded through Medicare and Medicaid.

What is the difference between InnovAge PACE and InnovAge LIFE?

There is no functional difference; LIFE is simply the name used in Pennsylvania.

Does InnovAge cover prescription drugs?

Yes, InnovAge covers all prescription drugs approved by the care team.

Can my family member keep their current primary care doctor with InnovAge?

In most cases, no. Primary care must be provided by InnovAge physicians.

What happens to my InnovAge benefits if I move to a different state?

If you move outside your InnovAge service area, your enrollment ends.

Does InnovAge cover home modifications?

Home safety modifications may be covered if deemed medically necessary.

How many times a week do participants go to the InnovAge day center?

Attendance frequency is based on individual needs, averaging two to three times per week.

Is there a waitlist for InnovAge?

Availability varies by center; contact InnovAge directly for enrollment status.