Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are commonly asked by prospective participants and their families. If you have additional questions, please call us at 844-588-7223.

Is Bluestem PACE a nursing home?

Bluestem PACE is not a nursing home. Our goal is to help participants remain independent and live in their community as long as it is safe to do so. Nationally, more than 93% of PACE participants remain living in the community (or in their home). 

How do I enroll in Bluestem PACE?

To enroll with Bluestem PACE, applicants must meet eligibility criteria outlined on the Eligibility page. Interested applicants can schedule a home meeting with a Bluestem PACE Intake Coordinator to confirm eligibility, complete a medical evaluation and put together an application. For more information about the eligibility criteria, visit the Eligibility page. For additional questions or to start the enrollment process, please call our Intake Department at 620-504-5900.

How much does the PACE Program cost?

Participants enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare may not have any out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays or deductibles. Participants enrolled in only Medicare will have to cover the Medicaid premium. Participants who are not enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare will have to cover the Medicare and Medicaid premiums.

All healthcare services provided by Bluestem PACE providers are covered in whole. If the participant needs to see a specialist outside of the Bluestem PACE facility, they will receive a referral to a provider in the Bluestem PACE network. If the participant receives unauthorized or out-of-program services, the participant is responsible for all associated costs. 

Will I have to change my doctor?

Yes, because all healthcare services are provided on-site by Bluestem PACE. There is a possibility that your specialist may be a part of the Bluestem PACE provider network, and you may be referred to them when needed.

The Bluestem PACE physician manages each participant’s medical plan of care. However, PACE is most successful when healthcare services are closely coordinated and integrated between all providers. As a result, the PACE physician will partner with your current medical provider to promote a successful transition to PACE. In most cases, participants are comfortable with a full transition of primary care to the PACE physician within the first six months of enrollment.

What role does my family play in the Bluestem PACE Program?

Family involvement is essential to the success of Bluestem PACE. The participant’s family helps aid in a participant’s recollection of appointments and with medication adherence and assists with the participant’s physical/psychosocial needs while not at the PACE Center. In addition, the family can provide the PACE Team with updates or changes in behavior, cognitive abilities or health. Bluestem PACE was developed to work in partnership with the family, not in place of the family.

Do I have to move from home to become a participant?

The goal of Bluestem PACE is to help participants stay in their own homes and their community for as long as possible. The Bluestem PACE service areas only cover specified counties in Kansas. If a potential applicant lives outside of the service area, but otherwise qualifies for the PACE Program, the decision to move to a service area is entirely up to the potential applicant and their family.

For more information about eligibility and the service areas, please visit the Eligibility page.

Does Bluestem PACE offer Home Care?

Yes, under the PACE model all individuals may be eligible for Home Care services. The amount allotted to a participant is determined by our Interdisciplinary Team based on the participant’s medical condition and need. 

Is there a fee for transportation services provided by Bluestem PACE?

No, once enrolled in the PACE Program, all medical services are provided at no cost to the participant, including transportation.

Does Bluestem PACE provide prescription medication?

Yes, Bluestem PACE provides all required prescriptions with minimal turnaround time and no copays. 

How do I submit my Grievances & Appeals?

To learn more about how to submit grievances and appeals refer to the CMS Regulations and Guidelines Manual

What if I want to disenroll?

Learn more about participants rights and responsibilities upon disenrollment from Bluestem PACE here.

How do I appoint a representative?

If an enrollee would like to appoint a person to file a grievance, request a coverage determination, or request an appeal on his or her behalf, the enrollee and the person accepting the appointment must fill out the CMS form (or a written equivalent) and submit it with the request. The enrollee's prescribing physician or other prescriber may request a coverage determination, redetermination or IRE reconsideration on the enrollee's behalf without having to be an appointed representative. Download the CMS Appointment of Representation Form.

Page last updated 11/13/18