What Is InnovAge?

InnovAge is a healthcare organization built around a single mission: helping older adults live independently in their homes and communities instead of moving into nursing facilities. It achieves this through PACE — the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly — a comprehensive Medicare and Medicaid program that wraps every aspect of a senior’s healthcare into a single, coordinated plan.

The company was founded in 1989 in Colorado under the name Total Community Options, Inc. It was, from the beginning, a PACE organization—one of the earliest in the country. For more than three decades it served the Denver metro area and expanded steadily across Colorado before growing into additional states. As of 2026, InnovAge has been operating PACE programs for 35 years, making it one of the most experienced PACE operators in the United States.

InnovAge is now publicly traded and operates as a for-profit entity following a 2016 acquisition by private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. This ownership structure has attracted scrutiny from public health researchers—the 2025 NORC PACE market assessment noted growing for-profit enrollment in states like Pennsylvania and Virginia—and it’s fair context for families evaluating any PACE provider. InnovAge is a large, experienced operator with established infrastructure in six states, serving thousands of seniors who could not otherwise afford or access comprehensive coordinated care.

What InnovAge provides, in practical terms, is this: a team of 11 dedicated healthcare professionals — physician, nurses, social workers, therapists, a dietitian, a home care coordinator, and a transportation specialist—who know your loved one personally, meet regularly to review their care plan, and coordinate every service they need. No fragmented referrals. No insurance pre-authorization battles. No uncovered dental bills or transportation gaps. One plan, one team, one point of contact.

InnovAge Centers by State

InnovAge currently operates PACE centers in six states. Below is a current overview of each state’s program, enrollment status, and key contacts. Click through to each state’s dedicated guide for full location details, service areas, and state-specific enrollment information.

California PACE Application Pause — What You Need to Know

What this means for California families:

• You cannot newly enroll in any California PACE program — including InnovAge California — during the pause period.
• Existing participants are unaffected. If your loved one is already enrolled in InnovAge PACE in California, their care continues normally.
• Waitlist options may exist. Contact InnovAge California directly at 844-908-1191 to ask about being placed on a notification list for when the pause lifts.
• Alternative programs exist. California seniors who need care during the pause period may be eligible for HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Medicaid waiver programs. The California Department of Health Care Services can connect you with alternative options.
• The pause timeline is uncertain. The two-year minimum could be extended. We will update this page as the situation develops.

We are highlighting this information prominently because most other publications covering InnovAge California do not mention the pause. Families making care decisions need this information. If you found a website suggesting you can enroll in PACE in California right now, that information may be outdated or inaccurate.

What InnovAge PACE Covers

InnovAge PACE covers all Medicare- and Medicaid-eligible services plus additional care the interdisciplinary team determines each participant needs. In practical terms, InnovAge’s program is structured around six service categories:

Medical Care

• Primary care physician visits at the InnovAge center
• Specialist referrals (cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology, and more)
• 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, hospital beds)
• 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

This is one of the most significant advantages of InnovAge PACE over standard Medicare. Traditional Medicare Part A and Part B cover virtually no routine dental, vision, or hearing care. InnovAge PACE covers dental exams and cleanings, dentures, eyeglasses and eye exams, and hearing aids—when the interdisciplinary team determines these services are medically necessary for the participant’s health.

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, to specialist appointments, and to other approved care-related activities. This service is included in the program — not billed separately. For many seniors, particularly those who no longer drive, InnovAge’s transportation service is one of the most immediately impactful benefits.

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 a participant’s health deteriorates to the point where nursing home placement becomes necessary—temporarily or permanently—InnovAge covers this as well. The participant’s IDT continues to supervise their care during nursing home stays. Most participants do not end up in nursing homes: across PACE nationally, roughly 95% of participants continue living in the community.

InnovAge vs. Other PACE Providers

InnovAge is one of the largest PACE operators in the country, but it is not the only one. Many states have multiple PACE organizations, and choosing the right provider matters. Here is how InnovAge compares on key factors that affect participant experience:

Who Qualifies for InnovAge PACE?

InnovAge PACE eligibility requirements follow the federal PACE eligibility framework. All four criteria must be met:

1. Age 55 or older. There is no upper age limit.
2. Live in an InnovAge service area. InnovAge’s coverage is geographically defined. Service areas are specific to each center location and may not cover entire states. Confirming that your address falls within InnovAge’s service zone is the first step — call 844-908-1191 or use the online center finder at innovage.com.
3. Require nursing-home-level care. Your state must certify that your health conditions meet the clinical threshold for nursing facility care. This is assessed by both InnovAge’s clinical team and a state designee. Common qualifying conditions include advanced chronic illness (COPD, heart failure, and diabetes with complications), significant functional impairment, and moderate-to-severe cognitive decline.
4. Able to live safely in the community with PACE support. At enrollment, you must be able to live at home or in a community setting — with InnovAge’s help — without immediate risk to your safety. This is assessed during the initial evaluation.

Insurance Requirements

You do not need to already be enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid to apply. However, your insurance status determines how much — if anything — InnovAge PACE will cost you:

• Dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid): Free — no premium, no deductibles, no copays
• Medicare only: Monthly premium required for the long-term care portion plus Part D
• Medicaid only: Free — the state pays the full cost to InnovAge
• No Medicare or Medicaid: Private-pay option available; InnovAge staff can help you determine if you qualify for Medicaid

Who Cannot Enroll

You cannot enroll in InnovAge PACE if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), or if you are receiving hospice services. You must disenroll from these programs before InnovAge enrollment begins. The InnovAge enrollment team handles this transition and helps you understand the implications.

What Does InnovAge PACE Cost?

Cost is often the most immediate question families have. The answer depends entirely on insurance status.

Note that even for private-pay participants, InnovAge PACE — at $4,000–$7,000/month — is typically less expensive than a private-pay nursing home bed, which averages over $8,500 per month nationally for a semi-private room and does not include dental, vision, hearing, or transportation.

Critically, InnovAge cannot charge any participant a deductible or copay for any service, drug, or care that the interdisciplinary team approves. Once you are enrolled, out-of-pocket costs for covered care are zero—regardless of how many specialist visits, prescriptions, or therapies you need.

Will InnovAge Help Me Apply for Medicaid?

Yes. If you believe you may qualify for Medicaid but are not currently enrolled, the InnovAge enrollment team can assist you with the Medicaid application process in your state. Medicaid eligibility will determine whether InnovAge PACE is free for you. The team does not make the final Medicaid eligibility determination—that is the state’s responsibility—but they will guide you through the paperwork and coordinate with the relevant state agencies.

How to Enroll in InnovAge PACE

The enrollment process typically takes two to six weeks from first contact. Here is what to expect at each stage.

The InnovAge Care Team: 11 Professionals, One Plan

The most important thing to understand about InnovAge — and PACE generally — is the interdisciplinary team model. Every InnovAge participant has a dedicated team of up to 11 professionals who collectively manage all aspects of their care. Federal PACE regulations mandate who must be on this team:

• Primary care physician — your main doctor within the InnovAge system
• Registered nurse
• Social worker
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Recreational therapist or activity coordinator
• Registered dietitian
• PACE center supervisor
• Home care coordinator
• Personal care attendant representative
• Transportation coordinator

All 11 members conduct an initial comprehensive assessment of each new participant. The team then meets on a regular basis—as a group—to review every participant’s status, update care plans, and authorize services. This is a structural guarantee of coordinated care that exists nowhere else in the American healthcare system.

For families managing a parent or spouse with multiple chronic conditions, this model eliminates one of the most exhausting aspects of elder care: being the communication bridge between a dozen providers who don’t talk to each other. With InnovAge, the team talks to each other. A change in your loved one’s medication, a new diagnosis, a fall at home — all of these trigger a coordinated team response rather than a fragmented series of phone calls.

Is InnovAge Right for Your Family?

InnovAge PACE Makes Strong Sense When:

• Your loved one is dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid—making the program free—and needs a significant level of medical, personal, or social support
• You are spending hours each week coordinating appointments, managing medications, or arranging transportation for a parent or spouse
• Your loved one has multiple chronic conditions managed by multiple specialists who aren’t communicating with each other
• A nursing home is being discussed, but your loved one strongly prefers to remain at home
• Family caregiver burnout is becoming a real concern—PACE’s day center and respite services can provide essential relief
• Your loved one lives in a county served by an InnovAge center (use the zip code tool at innovage.com to verify)

Consider Alternatives When:

• Your loved one has a strong relationship with a specialist — cardiologist, oncologist, neurologist — who is outside the InnovAge network and would be unwilling or unable to coordinate care through InnovAge’s IDT structure
• Your loved one is in California and needs new enrollment (currently paused)
• Your loved one lives outside InnovAge’s defined service areas in any of its six operating states
• Your loved one’s condition is stable and well-managed under current insurance, making the disruption of switching to an all-inclusive plan an unnecessary burden
• Your loved one is resistant to the day center attendance requirement, which is a mandatory component of the PACE model

Frequently Asked Questions About InnovAge

Is InnovAge a government program?

InnovAge is a private company that operates PACE programs, which are government-funded through Medicare and Medicaid. The funding is federal and state; the provider (InnovAge) is private. This is similar to how private hospitals receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. InnovAge is publicly traded and operates as a for-profit entity, though the care standards it must meet are defined by federal PACE regulations.

What is the difference between InnovAge PACE and InnovAge LIFE?

There is no functional difference. LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) is simply the name used for the PACE program in Pennsylvania and some other mid-Atlantic states. InnovAge operates PACE under the LIFE name in Pennsylvania. The eligibility requirements, benefit package, and care model are identical to InnovAge PACE in all other states.

Does InnovAge cover prescription drugs?

Yes — fully. InnovAge covers all prescription drugs approved by the interdisciplinary care team, including specialty medications, with no formulary restrictions and no copays. InnovAge also covers many over-the-counter medications when clinically indicated. InnovAge replaces Medicare Part D drug coverage entirely for enrolled participants.

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

In most cases, no. InnovAge PACE requires that all primary care be provided by the InnovAge physician who is part of the interdisciplinary team. This is a structural requirement of the PACE model — coordinated care depends on the care team knowing your loved one’s complete clinical picture. Specialist referrals outside the InnovAge network may be authorized by the IDT on a case-by-case basis, but routine primary care must be through InnovAge. This is the most common reason families ultimately choose not to enroll.

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

PACE enrollment is tied to a specific service area. If you move outside your InnovAge center’s service area — including to a different state — your enrollment ends. You would need to apply to a PACE program in your new location if one exists. InnovAge staff can help you identify PACE providers in your new area and facilitate the transition to avoid a coverage gap.

Does InnovAge cover home modifications like grab bars and ramps?

Home safety modifications are assessed during the home care evaluation and may be covered when the interdisciplinary team determines they are medically necessary for the participant to continue living safely in the community. Coverage for specific modifications varies and is determined case-by-case by the care team. This is one of the services to ask specifically about during the enrollment conversation.

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

Attendance frequency is set by the interdisciplinary team based on each participant’s clinical and social needs. On average, PACE participants attend two to three times per week. Frequency ranges from once a month to daily depending on individual care requirements. The schedule is not fixed — it adjusts as your loved one’s needs change.

Is there a waitlist for InnovAge?

InnovAge does not consistently maintain public waitlists, but availability at specific centers varies. In California, where new applications are currently paused, InnovAge may maintain a notification list. For all other states, the best approach is to call 844-908-1191 and ask directly about enrollment availability in your specific service area.