Historically, Medicare has facilitated payments for services primarily supporting in-person care. These payments are tied to a specific set of Medicare-reimbursable procedures, which have provided limited coverage for remote patient monitoring, care coordination, and longitudinal management activities. As a result, providers have faced structural disincentives to adopt technology-enabled care models, creating barriers to continuous monitoring and proactive engagement for patients living with chronic conditions.
On December 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the creation of the Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model. ACCESS is designed to expand access to technology-supported solutions that enable providers to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. The model is scheduled to begin July 1, 2026, with applications no later than April 1, 2026. This paper outlines the ACCESS model, conditions for vendor participation, and the implications—both opportunities and challenges— for care management vendors operating in or seeking entry into Traditional Medicare. Unless otherwise noted, descriptions of the model are based on CMS Innovation Center materials and public statements from CMS leadership.
