CMS Launches 10-Year Chronic Care Innovation Model for Original Medicare Beneficiaries

The CMS Innovation Center launched the ACCESS Model, short for Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions, on July 5, 2026. The voluntary, 10-year model expands access to technology-supported management of chronic conditions affecting more than two-thirds of people with Medicare, including high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and depression. Participating organizations such as digital health companies and care management programs enroll in Medicare and offer beneficiaries tools including remote monitoring devices, digital coaching applications, wearables, and medication management support, at little or no cost to beneficiaries. The model tests outcome-aligned payments, a design in which organizations receive predictable monthly amounts from Medicare but earn the full amount only when patients reach measurable health targets, such as lower blood pressure or reduced pain scores. ACCESS is available only for people in Original Medicare; Medicare Advantage organizations may independently adopt similar payment arrangements with their providers. Four clinical tracks launched: early cardio-kidney-metabolic, cardio-kidney-metabolic, musculoskeletal, and behavioral health. CMS reported that private health plans covering 165 million lives across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial markets have pledged to align their provider payment approaches with ACCESS.