U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz recently convened with leaders from various sectors, including the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), to discuss the CMS Innovation Center ACCESS Model. This initiative, named Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS), aims to modernize the digital health ecosystem and enhance Medicare beneficiaries' access to innovative health technologies.
The ACCESS Model seeks to bridge the gap in payment mechanisms for technology-enabled care by introducing an outcome-aligned payment option starting in July 2026. This model is designed to reward results rather than activities, offering new methods of delivering effective care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and depression. It will allow Original Medicare providers and patients access to high-value care options supported by technology.
More than 350 organizations have shown interest in participating in this model. The FDA also discussed its Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes (TEMPO) pilot during the meeting. In collaboration with the ACCESS Model, TEMPO will involve manufacturers of digital health devices providing care under the model while collecting real-world performance data.
Several clinical and patient societies have expressed support for CMS's efforts, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Cardiology, American Medical Association, Digital Medicine Society, Mental Health America, and others. Organizations interested in supporting or applying can visit the model's website for more information.
