Living Independently For Elders (LIFE) Program, a Successful PACE Model of Care

Owned and Operated since 1998 by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia

LIFE is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program owned and operated by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing providing comprehensive, community-based health care to more than 420 frail elders in West Philadelphia, persons who would otherwise require institutionally based long-term care services. Funded as Medicare and Medicaid model, LIFE works in partnership with families and older adults to provide quality of care resulting in reduced hospitalizations, nursing home stays, and emergency department visits. LIFE/PACE is essentially a regulated provider program operated by independent entities (e.g., Penn School of Nursing) to allocate government resources to Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries. PACE Programs are distinctively different from Medicare Advantage programs in their full comprehensive acute and long term care community based services and adherence to quality and cost savings principles using health plan capitation and integrated care delivery model with interdisciplinary team.  

FACTS on LIFE (PACE) Programs in Pennsylvania

• PA is State with Most PACE Programs – 16 active, 2 pending; ~ 2000 lives
• All of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia covered by LIFE Programs
• $46+ million Medical Assistance Expenditures
• Meets Nursing Home Level of Care at 85% Cost of Nursing Home

FACTS on LIFE University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA

• Only Academic Based PACE Program
• Serves 420 Members, 24 Hours Day, 7 Days/Week
• 97% African-Americans, 75% Women, all Dual Eligible
• Highest Frailty Index in State, Lowest Hospital and Nursing Admission Rate (13.2%), average age 80.2 years
• Nurse Practitioner Based Primary Care, Total Interdisciplinary Team Care
• High Family, Member, Community Satisfaction
• Sound Financial Operations & Risk Reserve

Keys to Successful PACE Models

• Support & Leadership from State Agencies for Community Long Term Care
• Skill Development of Team in PACE Clinical and Fiscal Management
• Partnership with Community/ Institutional/Organizational System Support