CMS Approves Over 150 Companies for Medicare Chronic Care ACCESS Model

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provisionally approved more than 150 health care organizations to participate in the Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model. This experimental program is designed to expand access to technology-supported care for Medicare beneficiaries managing various chronic conditions.

The approved participants include a diverse range of entities, such as wearable device manufacturers, popular mental health applications, startups specializing in heart failure management for large health systems and a life sciences company tied to Google. According to CMS officials, most of these organizations had not previously served Medicare patients.

The ACCESS model, which was announced in December 2025, aims to modernize the delivery of care and remove barriers that have historically limited the use of technology within traditional Medicare. The program is scheduled to launch on July 5, 2026, and will operate for 10 years.

Clinical Focus and Technology Integration

The voluntary model focuses on chronic conditions that affect more than two-thirds of people with Medicare. The program is organized into four specific clinical tracks:

• Early cardio-kidney-metabolic (eCKM) conditions, including prediabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
• Cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes.
• Musculoskeletal conditions, specifically chronic musculoskeletal pain.
• Behavioral health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Participating organizations are expected to provide integrated, technology-enabled services. These services may include the monitoring of FDA-authorized devices, medication management, diagnostics, behavioral support, and clinician consultations. These interactions can occur virtually, asynchronously, or in person.

The model supports the use of various digital tools, including AI tools, digital platforms, wearables, and telehealth, to help patients take a more active role in managing their health.

Outcome-Aligned Payment Structure

A central feature of the ACCESS model is the shift toward Outcome-Aligned Payments. Rather than paying for the volume of individual technology services delivered, CMS will provide set rates tied to measurable health improvements.

For example, care organizations that successfully lower blood pressure for patients with hypertension will receive payments tied to those specific achievements. CMS intends to publicly report base payment amounts and risk-adjusted outcomes based on the percentage of patients who meet established clinical benchmarks.

ACCESS introduces a way of paying for care that focuses on results. It offers clinicians a new predictable payment option, giving them the flexibility to use digital tools that help people take charge of their health,

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for CMS

Application Deadlines and Requirements

On April 13, 2026, CMS announced an extension of the initial application deadline to May 15, 2026, to encourage more organizations to join the first cohort. Applications submitted by this date will be considered for the model’s first performance period; those received after May 15, 2026, will be considered for a start date of January 1, 2027.

To participate, organizations must adhere to strict guardrails. These include compliance with data privacy and security standards, licensure requirements, outcome-reporting, and other quality standards. Organizations must be enrolled in Medicare Part B as providers or suppliers, although enrollment is not required to apply.

The enthusiasm for the program has exceeded CMS expectations, suggesting that the restrictions and modest payment rates did not deter digital health companies from applying.

Broader Healthcare Alignment

The influence of the ACCESS model extends beyond traditional Medicare. Private payers representing 165 million members across commercial coverage, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage have committed to aligning their payment approaches with the ACCESS model, with some beginning this alignment in 2026.

This movement comes as the healthcare industry seeks more permanent solutions for virtual care. Historically, patients in traditional Medicare have had fewer telehealth options than those in Medicare Advantage. The ACCESS model represents a federal effort to integrate digital health tools and reduce administrative burdens to expand access for these populations.