Medicare to expand its pilot that pays for technology to manage chronic diseases
Medicare is expanding the ACCESS model to provide free chronic disease management technology, including Whoop wearables, to patients aged 65 and older. Despite the planned rollout, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has not issued specific implementation dates or updated guidance. Healthcare leaders have expressed doubt about the model's effectiveness and its payment structure. The program aims to integrate wearable technology into standard care for seniors with chronic conditions, though official agency communications have not yet detailed the execution phase.
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- ✓ The ACCESS model provides free chronic disease management technology to patients aged 65 and older.
- ✓ Eligible participants in the program can use Whoop wearables.
What changed
No new implementation dates or specific guidance have been released by CMS.
Live updates
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Medicare expansion of chronic disease tech pilot remains pending
Medicare is expanding the ACCESS model to provide free chronic disease management technology, including Whoop wearables, to patients aged 65 and older. Despite the planned rollout, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has not issued specific implementation dates or updated guidance. Healthcare leaders have expressed doubt about the model's effectiveness and its payment structure. The program aims to integrate wearable technology into standard care for seniors with chronic conditions, though official agency communications have not yet detailed the execution phase.
Why it matters
The ACCESS model represents a shift toward using remote monitoring technology to manage long-term health. Its success depends on whether the payment structure incentivizes provider participation. Skepticism from healthcare leaders suggests a gap between federal goals and clinical implementation.
What is confirmed
- The ACCESS model provides free chronic disease management technology to patients aged 65 and older.
- Eligible participants in the program can use Whoop wearables.
Still unconfirmed
- Healthcare leaders are skeptical of the payment structure and overall effectiveness of the model.
What to watch next
- Release of specific implementation dates from CMS
- Official guidance on the ACCESS model payment structure
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.cms.gov — Newsroom Homepage | CMS
- www.ama-assn.org — Medicare Payment News | American Medical Association
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Medicare ACCESS model expansion lacks new official details
Medicare continues its plan to expand the ACCESS model, which provides free chronic disease management technology to patients aged 65 and older. The program allows eligible participants to use devices such as Whoop wearables. While the expansion is set to proceed, healthcare leaders remain skeptical regarding the payment structure and the overall effectiveness of the model. Recent updates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide no new specific guidance or implementation dates for the rollout.
Why it matters
The ACCESS model shifts how the government pays for chronic care by integrating wearable technology. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes through constant monitoring. Success depends on whether the payment model incentivizes providers to adopt these tools effectively.
What is confirmed
- The ACCESS model provides free chronic disease management technology to patients aged 65 and older.
- Patients in the program can access devices like Whoop wearables at no cost.
Still unconfirmed
- Healthcare leaders are cautious about the payment structure and effectiveness of the ACCESS model.
What to watch next
- CMS release of specific payment terms for the expanded ACCESS model
- Clinical data on the effectiveness of Whoop wearables in the ACCESS pilot
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.verifiedmarketresearch.com — Controlled Release Fertilizers Market Report: Size, Growth, Trends & Forecast (2025–2033)
- www.cms.gov — Newsroom Articles | CMS
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Medicare to expand pilot paying for tech to manage chronic diseases
Medicare's ACCESS model, which pays for technology to manage chronic diseases, is set to expand. The model, launched earlier this year, allows patients aged 65 and older with chronic conditions to access devices like Whoop's wearable at no cost. However, healthcare leaders are cautious about the model's payment structure and are uncertain about its effectiveness.
Why it matters
The expansion of Medicare's ACCESS model is part of a broader effort to test digital interventions and technology-supported care options for traditional Medicare beneficiaries. The model aims to improve care for patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. This initiative runs parallel to other federal efforts to accelerate Medicare national coverage determinations for eligible medical devices.
What is confirmed
- Whoop joined Medicare's ACCESS program this year, making its device available at no cost to patients 65 and older with chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Only 21% of healthcare leaders are tracking which of their patients have enrolled in the new chronic care model, according to a NAACOS and Innovaccer survey of 116 leaders.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' ACCESS Model aims to advance chronic care with effective, scalable solutions.
Still unconfirmed
- The medtech lobby, including AdvaMed, is pushing for broader device eligibility such as diagnostics and fixed timelines for coverage determinations.
What to watch next
- Medicare's collection of stakeholder feedback on its proposed Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device coverage pathway
- The Technology Strategy Survey by NAACOS and Innovaccer
- Expansion and adoption of digitally-enabled chronic care models
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- rocketnews.com — How consumer tech company Whoop is building for Medicare ...
- www.medicaleconomics.com — Health care leaders are planning around Medicare's ACCESS ...
- finance.yahoo.com — NAACOS and Innovaccer Research Finds Health Care Leaders Are ...
- www.tebra.com — Digitally-Enabled Chronic Care: Steps for Practices | Tebra
- www.asge.org — Charting the Course: Navigating Reimbursement Pathways ... - ASGE
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CMS Seeks Comments on RAPID Medicare Pathway for Breakthrough Devices
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is collecting stakeholder feedback until October 13, 2026, on its proposed Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device coverage pathway. The voluntary mechanism aims to accelerate Medicare national coverage determinations for eligible Class II and Class III Food and Drug Administration breakthrough-designated devices. Meanwhile, the medtech lobby, including AdvaMed, is pushing for broader device eligibility such as diagnostics and fixed timelines for coverage determinations. This initiative runs parallel to other federal efforts testing digital interventions and technology-supported care options for traditional Medicare beneficiaries.
Why it matters
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed the voluntary pathway in August 2026 to provide accelerated beneficiary access to breakthrough technologies. Stakeholders have raised questions about how participation will work and what federal agencies will learn from devices that bypass standard routes. Concurrently, separate federal pilot programs incorporating technology and artificial intelligence have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers over care delivery.
What is confirmed
- In August 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a notice with comment period on the proposed Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device coverage pathway.
- The proposed RAPID coverage pathway is a voluntary process designed to provide accelerated Medicare beneficiary access to certain eligible Class II and Class III US Food and Drug Administration breakthrough-designated devices.
- Comments on the proposed RAPID coverage pathway are due on October 13, 2026.
- AdvaMed called for more breakthrough devices, including diagnostics, to be eligible for the pathway and for set timelines for national coverage determinations.
Still unconfirmed
- Arizona senators stated that an artificial intelligence program is delaying care to seniors.
What to watch next
- CMS review and publication of stakeholder comments submitted by October 13, 2026, regarding the RAPID pathway.
- Decisions on whether diagnostics and additional breakthrough devices will be included in the final pathway design.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (15)
- tucson.com — AI program delaying care to seniors, Arizona senators say
- www.ineteconomics.org — The Fast Lane That Nobody Has to Take: Will Medicare learn ...
- unblock.federalregister.gov — 2026 Federal Register Index
- www.cms.gov — New Medical Services and New Technologies | CMS
- socialsecurityreport.org — New Bill would make breakthrough technology available to ...
- www.cooley.com — CMS Seeks Comments on RAPID Medicare Pathway for Breakthrough ...
- www.cms.gov — AHEAD Model Frequently Asked Questions | CMS
- www.kuow.org — The feds are using AI to deny care to WA seniors, Sen. Murray says
- www.cms.gov — ACCESS (Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable ...
- www.cms.gov — ACCESS Model Participants | CMS
- www.medtechdive.com — Medtech lobby seeks broader device eligibility for CMS ...
- gi.org — RAPID Could Speed Medicare Coverage for Breakthrough Devices ...
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Medicare expands ACCESS model for chronic disease technology in 2027
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will expand its Advancing Chronic Care with Effective Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model in 2027. This expansion increases payments for technology used to manage chronic diseases for traditional Medicare beneficiaries, who currently number more than 68 million. The program now includes heart failure, substance use disorder, and nicotine dependence. This shift aims to scale digital and AI-native solutions to improve care delivery for federal program participants.
Why it matters
The ACCESS model targets the efficiency of chronic disease management through scalable technology. This expansion occurs as the FDA pilots a program to accelerate the market entry of digital health tools for chronic conditions.
What is confirmed
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is expanding the ACCESS model in 2027.
- The expansion increases payment for technology used to manage chronic diseases for traditional Medicare beneficiaries.
- Newly added health conditions include heart failure, substance use disorder, and nicotine dependence.
- The federal program currently covers more than 68 million people.
Still unconfirmed
- The FDA is rolling out a pilot programme to make it easier to bring digital health technologies for chronic diseases to market more quickly.
- The smart textiles with integrated electronics market was estimated at USD 5.27 billion in 2025.
What to watch next
- FDA results from the digital health tools pilot program
- CMS implementation guidelines for the 2027 ACCESS expansion
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.gminsights.com — Smart Textiles with Integrated Electronics Market Size, Forecasts Report 2026-2035
- pharmaphorum.com — FDA reveals real-world pilot for digital health tools
- www.novitas-solutions.com — Medicare News and Web Updates for JL Part A 2026
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Medicare expands ACCESS model to cover more chronic conditions in 2027
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is expanding its Advancing Chronic Care with Effective Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model in 2027. The expansion will increase payment for technology used to manage chronic diseases for traditional Medicare beneficiaries. Newly added health conditions include nicotine dependence, substance use disorder, and heart failure. This initiative scales AI-native and digital solutions to improve care for a federal program that currently covers more than 68 million people.
Why it matters
Medicare was established in 1965 for seniors and people with long-term disabilities. The program faces financing challenges due to an aging population and rising health care costs.
What is confirmed
- The ACCESS model expansion in 2027 will cover heart failure, substance use disorder, and nicotine dependence for traditional Medicare beneficiaries.
- Medicare covers more than 68 million people.
- The federal health insurance program was established in 1965 for people age 65 or older and later expanded to cover those under 65 with long-term disabilities.
What to watch next
- Details on the 2027 Medicare physician fee schedule
- Updates on the Ambulatory Specialty Model regarding avoidable hospitalizations
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.kff.org — Medicare 101 | KFF
- hooperlundy.com — CMS Adds Technology-Focused Medicare Options to Manage ...
- www.cchpca.org — Telehealth Policy Resources & Reports - CCHP
- www.aafp.org — What You Need to Know About the 2027 MPFS | AAFP
- www.cms.gov — ASM (Ambulatory Specialty Model) | CMS
- www.cms.gov — Original Medicare News & Announcements | CMS
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Medicare Expands ACCESS Model for Chronic Disease Tech
Medicare is expanding its Advancing Chronic Care with Effective Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model to increase payment for technology used in managing chronic diseases. The program will add more chronic conditions in 2027. Recent participants include Counsel Health and RevelAi Health. This move aims to scale AI-native and digital solutions for Medicare beneficiaries.
Why it matters
The ACCESS model was launched on July 5, 2026, and provides beneficiaries with Original Medicare access to technology-enabled care. The expansion could have significant implications for the healthcare technology industry and the management of chronic diseases. The model is designed to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
What is confirmed
- The ACCESS model was launched on July 5, 2026.
- CMS announced the expansion of its ACCESS Model.
- The expansion includes adding more chronic conditions to the program in 2027.
- Recent participants include Counsel Health and RevelAi Health.
Still unconfirmed
- Vendors rolling out AI have an "incentive to deny as many claims as possible" in the ACCESS model.
What to watch next
- CMS's implementation of the ACCESS model expansion in 2027
- The impact of the ACCESS model on health outcomes and healthcare costs
- The role of AI-native and digital solutions in managing chronic diseases
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (11)
- arstechnica.com — Trump admin using AI to deny medical care for seniors in disastrous experiment
- www.marketresearchfuture.com — Ambulance Services Market Size, Share & Trends 2026-2035
- www.futuremarketinsights.com — Renal Meal Replacement Market Size, Share, Trends 2036
- www.cancernetwork.com — How the Affordable Care Act Has Affected Cancer Care in the United States: Has Value for Cancer Patients ....
- www.marketresearchfuture.com — Blood Testing Market Size, Share, Global Trends 2026-2035
- dailycalifornia.com — ACCESS Model expansion for Chronic Care Paths
- www.thoroughcare.net — The CMS Brief (September 2026): Key Developments Shaping ...
- www.healthcarenowradio.com — As CMS Expands ACCESS, Interoperability Takes Center Stage
- openminds.com — Medicare Launches ACCESS Model; Adds Outcome-Based Payments ...
- www.statnews.com — A major insurer on how it may replicate Medicare’s chronic ...
- www.cms.gov — MLN Connects Newsletter for October 1, 2026 | CMS
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CMS Expands ACCESS Model for Chronic Disease Technology
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is expanding its Advancing Chronic Care with Effective Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model to increase payment for technology used in managing chronic diseases. The expansion includes adding more chronic conditions to the program in 2027. Recent participants include Counsel Health, which joined the early cardio-kidney-metabolic track on September 17, 2026, and RevelAi Health, whose MSK ACCESS tool is now listed in the program directory. These moves aim to scale AI-native and digital solutions for Medicare beneficiaries.
Why it matters
The ACCESS model represents a shift toward reimbursing scalable technology rather than traditional face-to-face care. By integrating AI and digital tools, CMS seeks to reduce the burden on primary care providers while improving outcomes for high-risk patients. The program's growth indicates a broader federal move toward value-based care for chronic conditions.
What is confirmed
- CMS is expanding the ACCESS model to cover more technology for chronic disease management.
- CMS will add more chronic conditions to the ACCESS model in 2027.
Still unconfirmed
- Primary care leaders are debating whether the ACCESS model creates new partnerships or fragmented care.
What to watch next
- The official list of additional chronic conditions CMS will add in 2027.
- Data on patient outcomes from early participants like Counsel Health and RevelAi Health.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- STAT — Medicare to expand its pilot that pays for technology to manage chronic diseases
- Modern Healthcare — CMS to expand ACCESS model
- Morningstar — RevelAi Health's MSK ACCESS Listed in Medicare's ACCESS Directory
- Medical Economics — New partnerships or fragmented care? A primary care leader discusses Medicare’s ACCESS model
- simplywall.st — CVS Health (CVS) Joins 14 Insurers In Medicare Behavioral Health Push
- Healthcare Dive — CMS to add more chronic conditions to ACCESS model in 2027
- Digital Health Wire — More ACCESS, Sword Gets Headspace, and AI Scribe Blindspots
- finance.yahoo.com — Counsel Health Joins ACCESS Model to Bring AI-Native Chronic Care to Medicare Beneficiaries
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