CMS Announces ACCESS Model to Test Outcome-Payment Approach for Tech-Driven Chronic Care

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled the ACCESS Model, a new payment structure within Original Medicare aimed at aligning payments with clinical outcomes to boost the adoption of technology-supported healthcare for chronic disease management. Set to launch on July 1, 2026, and run for a decade, the model will focus on prevalent chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and depression, which collectively impact over two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries. Traditional fee-for-service payment systems have limited support for incorporating innovative technologies like wearables and digital apps, prompting CMS to test whether outcome-based payments can enhance patient care through these tools. Participating organizations, which must be enrolled in Medicare Part B, will receive recurring payments tied directly to measurable health improvements, encouraging the integration of technology in managing chronic diseases. CMS anticipates that this shift will foster more efficient and patient-centered care models, addressing gaps left by existing payment methods that do not fully accommodate technology-enabled interventions. Applications for organizations interested in joining the ACCESS Model are due by April 1, 2026, with updates and materials available through CMS channels. This model represents a significant regulatory experiment in Medicare payment reforms aimed at leveraging digital health advancements to improve chronic care outcomes.