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CMS Launches ACCESS Model to Expand Tech-enabled Chronic Care
CMS has announced a new voluntary payment model supporting telehealth, wearables, AI tools, and digital platforms for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. The Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) Model aims to modernize care delivery and address long-standing barriers that have limited technology use in traditional Medicare.
The model launches next year and offers recurring payments to participating Medicare Part B organizations that use technology-supported care and demonstrate measurable improvements in patient outcomes. Payments will be tied to each patient’s clinical progress rather than the number of services delivered. CMS will publicly report risk-adjusted outcomes and base payment amounts on the share of patients who meet the clinical benchmarks.
The effort arrives at a pivotal time for digital health. Telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities were temporarily extended through January 31, leaving ongoing uncertainty for virtual care providers. ACCESS reflects continued federal momentum to integrate digital health tools, reduce administrative burden, and expand access—particularly for patients in traditional Medicare who historically have had fewer telehealth options than those in Medicare Advantage.
ACCESS targets four categories of chronic conditions:
- Early cardiometabolic and kidney disease: hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity
- Late cardiometabolic and kidney disease: diabetes, CKD, heart disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions: chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Behavioral health: anxiety and depression
Participating organizations can join multiple tracks and must provide technology-enabled services such as remote patient monitoring, coaching, behavioral support, medication management, and patient education. They must also use interoperable EHRs connected to a primary care physician and participate in a health information exchange. Both primary and referring physicians may bill Medicare for services under the model.
Eligible applicants include primary care practices, specialists already working under risk-based payment models, accountable care organizations, and care delivery organizations focused on chronic disease management. The model is intended to complement existing ACO programs rather than replace them.
To be considered for the ACCESS Model’s first performance period beginning July 1, 2026, applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered for a January1, 2027 start date. Complete the ACCESS Model Interest Form to be notified when the application becomes available. Visit the ACCESS Model page on the CMS website includes further details and answers to FAQs.