Habitat Health, a home-based elder care organization, has secured $50 million in funding from investors like Kaiser Permanente and Town Hall Ventures to expand its innovative care model. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is central to Habitat Health’s mission, providing integrated medical and social services to help older adults maintain independence in their communities. Nationwide, about 78,000 seniors benefit from PACE, which offers comprehensive support to those aged 55 or older, many of whom have complex health needs and are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, according to data from the National PACE Association.
Matthew Bennett, Habitat Health’s co-founder and CEO, believes this initiative presents a unique opportunity for aging Americans. “Habitat Health has a special opportunity to offer better alternatives for aging Americans who wish to maintain independence in their homes and communities,” Bennett stated. He expressed excitement in leading the company to build a talented team, operations, and culture to deliver on its vision.
The new funding will help Habitat Health open its first PACE center with Kaiser Permanente in California by 2025, with further plans for expansion. Bennett is joined by a leadership team experienced in elder care and health equity. Dr. Carmen Peralta, the new chief medical officer, brings extensive expertise in multidisciplinary care. “Dr. Peralta’s experience developing and deploying multidisciplinary models of care for individuals with complex needs, and her unwavering focus on health equity, will be instrumental as we bring innovative PACE solutions to diverse communities across the country,” Bennett said.
This leadership team is expected to drive Habitat Health’s long-term vision. Dr. Bechara Choucair, executive vice president and chief health officer at Kaiser Permanente, sees great potential in this collaboration. “This founding leadership team sets up Habitat Health for delivering high quality care to Kaiser Permanente members and other eligible patients throughout California and the rest of the country for many years to come,” Choucair said.
The PACE model is a key part of this mission, addressing both medical and social needs for seniors. Habitat Health’s model, driven by comprehensive services and the vision of keeping patients in their homes, is expected to reduce hospitalizations and improve the quality of life for seniors. The introduction of task-specific healthcare agents and video-based care further supports these goals, enabling a holistic approach to elder care. As outlined in a research paper published this week, such models are becoming critical for addressing the growing healthcare needs of older Americans.
By continuing to focus on innovation and partnerships, Habitat Health aims to offer sustainable care solutions to underserved populations. Kaiser Permanente’s involvement adds further credibility, as it extends its commitment to improving health outcomes for its members. The launch of the first PACE center in California is just the beginning, with Habitat Health planning broader national expansion to ensure high-quality care for seniors across the country.
