CMS Adds Heart Failure, COPD, and Substance Use Disorder to Medicare's ACCESS Chronic Care Program for Spring 2027

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced September 15 that its ACCESS model will expand to include heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, substance use disorder, and tobacco cessation beginning April 1, 2027. The model, which stands for Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions, launched July 5, 2026 with initial tracks for high blood pressure, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain, and depression. CMS reported that 160 organizations are participating at launch and that three out of four people with Medicare already qualify for at least one existing track. The program delivers technology-supported care at low or no cost to eligible Original Medicare enrollees. Services can include virtual visits, health coaching, remote monitoring, and connected devices such as wearables. Participating organizations are paid in part based on whether patient health improves. The program is available only to people enrolled in Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage. Current participants will not need to reapply to access the new condition tracks when they open in the spring. People interested in locating a participating provider can search the ACCESS model section of Medicare.gov. CMS also noted that 165 million Americans are represented by major payers that have committed to aligning their payment structures with the program's outcomes-based approach.