05/21/2026
PACE Expansion Bill Draws Strong Support in House Committee
House Bill 750, legislation that would expand access to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Ohio, received broad support during its second hearing this week before the House Health Committee. The hearing featured in-person testimony from PACE providers and business leaders, along with written testimony submitted by LeadingAge Ohio and additional advocates supporting expansion of the program.
Susan Wallace submitted written testimony on behalf of LeadingAge Ohio and the PACE Association of Ohio, emphasizing PACE’s ability to help older Ohioans with complex care needs remain safely in their homes and communities while also producing measurable Medicaid savings. Wallace noted that access to PACE remains limited across Ohio despite strong participant outcomes and high satisfaction rates.
Committee members responded positively throughout the hearing, asking detailed questions about cost savings, oversight, workforce interest, and long-term expansion opportunities. Testifiers consistently highlighted both the quality-of-life benefits for participants and the financial value the model delivers to the state.
Ann Conn, president and CEO of the McGregor Foundation, and Marcie Campbell, vice president of marketing for Ohio Senior Care/Buckeye PACE, delivered particularly strong testimony in support of the bill. Campbell described the growing demand for services that allow older adults to remain independent and connected to their communities, while outlining the broad scope of coordinated care PACE provides through interdisciplinary teams. She also shared data showing annual Medicaid savings of approximately $6,300 to $7,400 per participant compared to traditional care models.
Conn reinforced the program’s outcomes and fiscal impact, noting that although all participants qualify for nursing home level of care, 94 percent continue living in community-based settings. She also pointed to actuarial data showing substantial annual Medicaid savings tied to PACE participation and outlined the potential statewide savings if additional sites are approved in underserved areas.
The committee also heard testimony from Molly Mottram of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, whose support demonstrated the broad coalition backing the legislation and the growing recognition of PACE as a valuable part of Ohio’s long-term care system.
Additional testimony was submitted by the PACE Association of Ohio, AARP Ohio, BoldAge PACE, and other advocates supporting expanded access to the program.
