Understanding the upcoming healthcare transformation and how to prepare
In July 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will launch the Advancing Chronic Care Excellence through Seamless Systems (ACCESS) Model—a revolutionary approach to healthcare delivery for patients with chronic conditions. This outcome-based payment model represents a fundamental shift from traditional fee-for-service care to a system that prioritizes measurable patient outcomes and sustained health improvements.
Unlike traditional healthcare payment systems that compensate providers based on the number of services delivered, the ACCESS Model focuses on results. This paradigm shift introduces several key differences:
Providers will be reimbursed based on their ability to achieve specific health outcomes for their patients, rather than simply providing more appointments or procedures. This incentivizes healthcare teams to focus on what actually works for each individual patient.
The model measures success through objective health indicators including:
For the first time, your voice matters as much as your lab results. The ACCESS Model incorporates standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including: