The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking steps to modernize the digital health ecosystem in the United States. This summer, CMS launched the Health Tech Ecosystem at the White House, aiming to improve interoperability and expand patient-directed data mobility. The initiative has attracted over 450 participants, with initial releases expected by March 2026.
A new model called ACCESS—Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions—has been introduced by CMS. This voluntary program is set to begin in July 2026 and will focus on managing chronic conditions through technology-supported care for people with Original Medicare. ACCESS aims to test Outcome-Aligned Payments, which reward health outcomes rather than activities. Organizations participating in this model will receive predictable payments for managing qualifying conditions and can earn full payment when patients achieve measurable health goals like lower blood pressure or reduced pain.
ACCESS organizes its focus into four clinical tracks: early cardio-kidney-metabolic, cardio-kidney-metabolic, musculoskeletal, and behavioral health. Participating organizations must manage all conditions within a track and offer services such as clinician consultations and medication management. Patients can enroll directly with these organizations while maintaining their Medicare rights and benefits.
This initiative represents a significant step towards aligning payers, providers, and patients around better health outcomes at an affordable cost. By focusing on prevention and outcome-aligned payments, ACCESS encourages innovation that emphasizes value over volume. The model's design allows it to potentially scale to other payers beyond Medicare.
