HHS Secretary Kennedy Visits InnovAge & New HHS Study Highlights Benefits of PACE Model
June 23, 2026
InnovAge CEO Patrick Blair Joins HHS Leadership for Tour of Thornton PACE Center
InnovAge recently welcomed U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to its Thornton PACE center, where he met with participants and care team members and observed firsthand how integrated care supports older adults with complex health needs.
The visit came just days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a major HHS study examining health outcomes for individuals enrolled in integrated care programs. The study found that participants in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) experienced lower rates of hospitalization, emergency department visits and mortality compared with similar beneficiaries enrolled in non-integrated Medicare Advantage plans. The report described the findings as “fresh and strong evidence” supporting the benefits of integrated care models, particularly PACE.
Together, the study and Secretary Kennedy’s visit underscore the value of a care model designed to coordinate medical care, long-term services and social supports through a single interdisciplinary team. For older adults with complex needs, this approach can help improve outcomes while supporting independence and quality of life.
“At InnovAge, we see every day how integrated care can help older adults remain healthy, engaged and living in their communities,” said Patrick Blair, Chief Executive Officer of InnovAge. “The HHS study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that PACE delivers meaningful benefits for seniors, families and caregivers.”
InnovAge recently welcomed U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to its Thornton PACE center, where he met with participants and care team members and observed firsthand how integrated care supports older adults with complex health needs.
The visit came just days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a major HHS study examining health outcomes for individuals enrolled in integrated care programs. The study found that participants in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) experienced lower rates of hospitalization, emergency department visits and mortality compared with similar beneficiaries enrolled in non-integrated Medicare Advantage plans. The report described the findings as “fresh and strong evidence” supporting the benefits of integrated care models, particularly PACE.
Together, the study and Secretary Kennedy’s visit underscore the value of a care model designed to coordinate medical care, long-term services and social supports through a single interdisciplinary team. For older adults with complex needs, this approach can help improve outcomes while supporting independence and quality of life.
“At InnovAge, we see every day how integrated care can help older adults remain healthy, engaged and living in their communities,” said Patrick Blair, Chief Executive Officer of InnovAge. “The HHS study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that PACE delivers meaningful benefits for seniors, families and caregivers.”
Watch InnovAge feature videos and testimonials from participants, staff, and cargivers on our InnovAge Media Page.