CMS Selects 150 Participants for Upcoming ACCESS Model to Advance Value-Based Chronic Care
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the selection of 150 healthcare organizations to participate in its upcoming Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) Model, a new initiative designed to align Medicare payments with measurable patient outcomes.
The program, launched by the CMS Innovation Center, aims to expand access to technology-enabled care for patients enrolled in Original Medicare, particularly those managing chronic conditions.
Expanding Value-Based Care Through Technology
The ACCESS Model focuses on improving care delivery for conditions that affect a majority of Medicare beneficiaries, including obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and behavioral health conditions.
Participating organizations have agreed to adopt a results-based payment structure, enabling them to leverage digital health tools and integrated services such as:
- Clinician consultations and behavioral health support
- Diagnostic services and medication management
- Remote monitoring through connected medical devices
Care delivery under the model can take place in person, virtually, or through asynchronous methods, offering greater flexibility in managing chronic conditions.
Four Key Clinical Tracks
The program is structured around four primary care pathways:
- Early cardio-kidney-metabolic (eCKM) conditions
- Cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) conditions
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions
- Behavioral health (BH) conditions
Together, these categories address health issues impacting more than two-thirds of the Medicare population, according to CMS.
Broad Industry Alignment
CMS noted that private payers representing approximately 165 million members across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial insurance markets have committed to aligning with the ACCESS Model’s payment framework—signaling broader industry support for outcomes-based care.
“ACCESS introduces a way of paying for care that focuses on results,” said Mehmet Oz in an earlier program announcement. “It offers clinicians a predictable payment model while giving them flexibility to use digital tools that empower patients.”
Participation Requirements and Timeline
Many of the selected organizations are new to serving Medicare beneficiaries. To participate, providers must:
- Enroll in Medicare Part B
- Meet licensure and compliance requirements
- Adhere to HIPAA standards and U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines
- Appoint a physician clinical director to oversee care quality
- Report outcomes and maintain data security protocols
CMS is continuing to review applications and has extended the submission deadline to May 15. Organizations applying after this date will be considered for a January 1, 2027 start.
Driving the Future of Chronic Care
With the ACCESS Model, CMS is advancing its broader push toward value-based care—encouraging providers to deliver coordinated, technology-driven services that improve outcomes while controlling costs.
As healthcare systems increasingly adopt digital tools and integrated care models, initiatives like ACCESS are expected to play a key role in reshaping chronic disease management across the Medicare population.
