The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved more than 150 digital health companies to participate in its ACCESS experiment, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve chronic care through technology-driven solutions and outcome-based payments. The program, announced on April 13, 2026, marks a significant step in integrating digital health tools into Medicare’s chronic care management strategies.
According to CMS officials, the ACCESS program will focus on leveraging innovative technologies to address chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Participants include startups and established companies offering telehealth platforms, wearable devices, and AI-powered diagnostic tools. ‘This initiative is about creating a sustainable model for chronic care management that prioritizes patient outcomes,’ said a CMS spokesperson.
Analysts suggest that the program could reshape the way Medicare approaches chronic disease. ‘By tying payments to outcomes, CMS is incentivizing innovation and accountability,’ said a health policy expert. However, some critics warn that the program’s success hinges on effective implementation and patient adoption.
Looking ahead, CMS plans to evaluate the program’s impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs over the next three years. If successful, the ACCESS experiment could serve as a blueprint for integrating digital health solutions into broader Medicare initiatives.