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GEORGIA PACE

A statewide association for care, connection, and aging well

Georgia PACE Association

Georgia PACE Association

Yes, there is PACE in Georgia.

Yes, there is PACE in Georgia.

"Advocating for older adults and expanding access and awareness of the high-quality community-based PACE care across Georgia."

"Advocating for older adults and expanding access and awareness of the high-quality community-based PACE care across Georgia."

THE HISTORY

A law, leaders, and a vision for a more connected future for Georgia’s older adults.

Making PACE possible in Georgia

Making PACE possible in Georgia

In 2022, Dr. Kathleen Benton began looking closely at gaps in community healthcare. After discovering the PACE program, she conducted extensive research and visited sites in other states. As the work moved forward, the Georgia Department of Community Health presented the statistics and facts showing that PACE could serve as a true aging plan for the state. Kathleen joined them in sharing with legislators the stories of many older adults whose circumstances demonstrate the urgent need for PACE. Champions like the folks at GHCA advocated strongly for this to move forward. In 2023, Benton continued the effort alongside Ryan Beddingfield, COO of PruittHealth and Vice Chair of the State Association. Other passionate voices behind care for the elderly also played an important role in the lobbying efforts. Legislative champions, Sen. Ben Watson, Rep. Jesse Petrea and others helped carry the bill forward—almost exactly one year later, it was passed.

In 2022, Dr. Kathleen Benton began looking closely at gaps in community healthcare. After discovering the PACE program, she conducted extensive research and visited sites in other states. As the work moved forward, the Georgia Department of Community Health presented the statistics and facts showing that PACE could serve as a true aging plan for the state. Kathleen joined them in sharing with legislators the stories of many older adults whose circumstances demonstrate the urgent need for PACE. Champions like the folks at GHCA advocated strongly for this to move forward. In 2023, Benton continued the effort alongside Ryan Beddingfield, COO of PruittHealth and Vice Chair of the State Association. Other passionate voices behind care for the elderly also played an important role in the lobbying efforts. Legislative champions, Sen. Ben Watson, Rep. Jesse Petrea and others helped carry the bill forward—almost exactly one year later, it was passed.

View the Georgia PACE bill

Dr. Kathleen Benton

Dr. Kathleen Benton

Ryan Beddingfield

KATHLEEN BENTON ON THE WORK

“As a CEO of an evolving community-based healthcare company, I have worked to establish protocols for unique, community-focused patient care while assessing the needs of my own community and beyond greater Georgia. Georgia does not have a current aging plan, and this need helped bring a new law into place. Through PACE, I’m able to share that work and plan with others who will benefit their families, employees, and communities.”

“As a CEO of an evolving community-based healthcare company, I have worked to establish protocols for unique, community-focused patient care while assessing the needs of my own community and beyond greater Georgia. Georgia does not have a current aging plan, and this need helped bring a new law into place. Through PACE, I’m able to share that work and plan with others who will benefit their families, employees, and communities.”

THE TEAM

Built on dedication and resilience, this team shows up for Georgia’s older adults with care, persistence, and a shared belief that community-centered support can change lives. Dr. Kathleen Benton leads this work with purpose and benevolent feirceness—guiding an ambitious statewide effort while raising three teenagers, and modeling the everyday leadership that keeps the mission moving forward.

Built on dedication and resilience, this team shows up for Georgia’s older adults with care, persistence, and a shared belief that community-centered support can change lives. Dr. Kathleen Benton leads this work with purpose and benevolent feirceness—guiding an ambitious statewide effort while raising three teenagers, and modeling the everyday leadership that keeps the mission moving forward.

Georgia PACE Association team

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to advocate for older adults, elevate awareness of PACE, and unite partners across Georgia to expand access to high-quality, community-based care for those who need it most.

Our mission is to advocate for older adults, elevate awareness of PACE, and unite partners across Georgia to expand access to high-quality, community-based care for those who need it most.

IMPORTANT FACTS

The people and plans behind Georgia PACE

The people and plans behind Georgia PACE

MEMBERS

Our association members

PACEGeorgia, Pruitt Health, A.G. Rhodes, BoldAge PACE, Jewish HomeLife, Magnolia Manor, One Senior Care, Volunteers of America, and Trinity Health. The Co-Chairs are Dr. Kathleen Benton, PACEGeorgia and Ryan Beddingfield, Pruitt Health

PARTNERSHIP

Connected to GHCA

Georgia PACE Association is connected to the Georgia Health Care Association and its statewide community of care providers.

Visit GHCA

Photos of Georgia's first PACE site (in Savannah)

What is the current state of PACE in Georgia?

Georgia is advancing the implementation of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). On April 22, 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1078, authorizing the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) to develop and implement PACE within the state’s Medicaid program. The law took effect on July 1, 2024.

To date, DCH has awarded PACE service areas to several providers. In late September, CMS and DCH formally approved PACE Georgia, sponsored by Hospice Savannah, which expects to begin enrolling participants by year-end. Additional applicants are awaiting oral presentations as part of the state’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which provides for up to 14 total PACE awards.

DCH is developing the infrastructure, enrollment systems, and operational processes to begin PACE enrollment. The Georgia PACE Association is collaborating with DCH and prospective providers to support implementation and expand access to PACE services.

We thank the Department of Community Health for their leadership, expertise, and continued commitment to advancing PACE in Georgia.

What is the Georgia PACE Association doing?

With support from the Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA), the Georgia PACE Association convenes providers to advance PACE implementation, address shared priorities, and support statewide program quality.

Members meet virtually every five weeks and gather in person at provider locations in Georgia to exchange information, discuss operational needs, and coordinate advocacy. The two most recent meetings took place in Savannah. The next meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2026, in Savannah.

The Association also meets alongside GHCA events during Georgia’s legislative session in Atlanta and in June on Amelia Island. These gatherings offer opportunities to engage with policymakers and to strengthen collaboration among future PACE providers and other health care organizations.

Current priorities include advocating for a published, transparent methodology for PACE rate setting and for establishing quality benchmarks suitable for Georgia’s future PACE programs.

For more information or to inquire about membership, please contact eallen@hospicesavannah.org.

Thank you to our founding member sponsors