The CMS ACCESS Model is a new 10-year voluntary alternative payment model from the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI), testing whether paying for measurable health outcomes — rather than individual services — can improve chronic-condition care in Original (fee-for-service) Medicare. The model launched its first performance period on July 5, 2026, after CMS accepted more than 150 organizations across four clinical tracks: Early Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (eCKM), Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM), Musculoskeletal (MSK), and Behavioral Health (BH).

Participation is limited to organizations enrolled in Medicare Part B as providers or suppliers with an active physician Clinical/Medical Director — pure technology or analytics vendors cannot participate directly, though they may list in the ACCESS Tools Directory or partner with a clinical entity. Payment flows through Outcome-Aligned Payments (OAPs): the full annual payment is distributed across the first 6 months, with the remaining 50% withheld and reconciled after the 12-month care period against clinical outcome and substitute spend adjustments.

This fact sheet summarizes the model’s key dates, clinical tracks, eligibility rules, payment mechanics, technology requirements, and evaluation design.

Download the Fact Sheet:

CMS ACCESS Model Participant Facts