Understanding CMS’s New ACCESS Model for Chronic Care
What's happening
Applications for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center’s Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) Model are due by April 1, 2026. Technology-enabled provider groups, among others, are eligible to participate in the new, 10-year, voluntary model that introduces Outcome-Aligned Payments for technology-enabled chronic care prevention and management in Original Medicare.
Of interest
Our partners at McDermott+ and McDermott Will & Schulte (MWS), some of healthcare’s most trusted and respected consulting and law firms, are hosting a joint briefing highlighting key ACCESS Model policy design features, operational and financial considerations, and legal and compliance questions that are already emerging from the request for applications. McDermott+ also compiled key highlights for potential applicants.
Why you should care
The ACCESS Model could significantly reshape how technology-enabled care organizations engage with Original Medicare. Hospital and health system leaders should stay informed and assess whether participation is right for their organization.