In a pivotal meeting of the Nevada Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, lawmakers gathered to discuss the potential implementation of the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program, a comprehensive care initiative aimed at supporting low-income seniors on Medicaid. As the sun set over the state capitol, the urgency of the discussions reflected the pressing need for innovative solutions to elder care in Nevada, which currently lacks such a program while 37 other states have successfully adopted it.

The PACE program is designed to allow seniors to remain in their homes while receiving essential medical and social services. This model not only prioritizes the preferences of elderly individuals who wish to avoid nursing homes but also promises significant cost savings for both the state and federal governments. Governor Robert List, who joined the discussion, emphasized the program's dual benefits: enhancing the quality of life for seniors and reducing healthcare expenditures. "In the end, it costs the state and federal government less for those individuals," he stated, highlighting the financial advantages of keeping seniors in their communities.

Anne Jensen from Nevada Medicaid provided a financial overview, noting that the initial state investment for the program would be approximately $477,112, with a total computable amount of $861,782, including federal matching funds. The committee members expressed their support, recognizing the potential for the PACE program to transform elder care in Nevada. Assembly member Dickman remarked on the program's promise, stating, "I just think this is so great for people to be where they'd really probably rather be and save the state money at the same time."

The meeting also acknowledged the groundwork laid by previous legislation, which opened the door for the PACE program's consideration in Nevada. As the committee moved forward, advocates from various organizations, including WellBe Health, shared compelling statistics about the program's success in other states. They reported that PACE participants experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits, leading to substantial savings—California alone saved $369 million in 2024 through its PACE implementation.

With over 14,000 seniors in Nevada potentially eligible for the program, the committee's discussions signal a critical step toward enhancing elder care in the state. As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was charged with optimism, leaving many to wonder how soon Nevada might join the ranks of states providing this vital service to its aging population. The passage of Senate Bill 207 could mark a transformative moment for Nevada's healthcare landscape, ensuring that seniors receive the care they need while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.