Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who can join the Northland PACE program?

PACE eligibility requirements:

  • Be at least 55 years old

  • Be eligible for nursing home level of care

  • Live within an area served by Northland PACE

  • Be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at time of enrollment

 

How do I join Northland PACE?

Call and ask to speak to an Intake & Enrollment Coordinator.

We will visit with you to determine your eligibility, and help you determine the best care option for you or your loved one. If Northland PACE makes sense for your situation, we will continue the process, including arranging for you to visit our Day Center.

701-751-3050 (Bismarck)

701-456-7387 (Dickinson)

701-412-2081 (Fargo)

701-857-8045 (Minot)

Toll Free 888-883-8959

Hearing Impaired 800-366-6888

 

What happens to my Medicare/Medicaid coverage if I join?

When you join Northland PACE, you will receive your Medicare and/or Medicaid services through the Northland PACE program.This means that you maintain benefits covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid and become eligible for additional benefits deemed medically necessary by the Northland PACE Interdisciplinary Care Team.

 

Does anyone live at Northland PACE?

No. PACE participants reside in their own homes within the community.

 

Do I have to cancel my prescription drug plan?

Yes. Northland PACE will provide all of your medically necessary pharmacy needs. You cannot be in more than one Medicare health or drug plan at a time. Northland PACE is considered a Medicare Part D Plan, therefore, if you enroll in any other Medicare health or drug plan, you will be automatically disenrolled from Northland PACE.

 

What do I need to know about the PACE Day Center?

Attending the PACE Day Center offers many advantages. Regularly scheduled attendance is very important, as the Northland PACE staff would like the opportunity to monitor your health. You will be able to visit with a nurse about your healthcare, and your physician will see you routinely at the clinic, which is located in the Day Center at the Bismarck Site; Dickinson participants see their physician at the clinic.  If you require physical, occupational or speech therapy, the Day Center professional staff is trained and equipped to meet your needs.

Lunch is served daily Monday through Friday. The Activities staff plans fun and stimulating programs for your enjoyment and relaxation. Birthday parties, musical programs, exercise groups, shopping excursions, group or individual activities, and holiday celebrations are among the many activities you may participate in to help make your visit to the Day Center a welcome and enjoyable experience.

If you cannot attend your regularly scheduled visit to the Day Center for any reason, we ask that you call and let us know. If you do not feel well, you may ask to speak to a nurse. Depending on the situation, a caregiver may come out to see you or we will help you come to the Day Center to be seen in the clinic.

 

What about my prescription drugs?

PACE covers the cost of all approved prescriptions, and many non-prescription approved medications as well. PACE medical staff will work with our network pharmacy to provide your medications to you in your home as part of our medication administration system.

 

Do I have to change doctors?

Northland PACE has its own physicians that are part of our network. Participants receive all healthcare from Northland PACE, except emergency services. Northland PACE participants enjoy personal relationships with our doctors and nurses and, in fact, notice that they have more access to healthcare providers than they did before enrolling in the program. We help make the transition easy! 

 

What happens if I need to see a specialist?

If you need to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist, we will make the arrangements with network providers and even help with transportation.

 

What happens if I am no longer able to stay in my home?

It is our goal at Northland PACE to do everything possible to keep you in your own home. However, if the time arrives when you are no longer able to live safely at home, Northland PACE will work with care facilities in our network (such as a basic care, adult foster home, or a nursing home) to meet your needs. You will still be a participant in Northland PACE, your IDT Care Team will still oversee and monitor your health needs, and you may still be scheduled to attend the Day Center to see your physician, attend special events, etc.

 

What happens if I join but later decide to leave PACE?

You may disenroll from Northland PACE at any time. However, enrollment is on a month-to-month basis. You must continue to use Northland PACE for all of your services until the first of the next month. A Northland PACE Social Worker will answer any questions you may have and assist you should you decide to dis-enroll.


How much does it cost to join?

If You Are:  Then: 

Self-pay (neither Medicare nor Medicaid eligible)

Participant pays the cost "out of pocket."

(Ask our Intake & Enrollment Coordinator about this amount)

Medicare eligible but not Medicaid eligible

Participant pays for the Medicaid portion of the program

Medicaid eligible  *

Medicaid pays for the program, minus any recipient liability. There may be a "spend down" requirement before Medicaid will pay all expenses.

*Individuals eligible for Medicaid may have a monthly spend down amount based on financial criteria. Ask our Intake & Enrollment Coordinator for more detailed information on the spend-down requirements.*

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