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Medicare to expand its pilot that pays for technology to manage chronic diseases

PUBLISHED Sep 16, 2026, 11:28 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 38

Left 16%

Center 74%

Right 11%

Sources: 38

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced an expansion of its ACCESS model pilot program integrating digital health technology into chronic disease management. Scheduled to roll out in spring 2027, the initiative introduces new medical tracks covering heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, substance use disorders, tobacco cessation, and extended musculoskeletal care. The program enables approved technology companies to receive recurring monthly payments linked directly to measurable health outcomes rather than traditional per-service billing. Over 160 companies have enrolled in the initiative, which operates alongside a parallel Food and Drug Administration pilot allowing emerging devices to safely collect real-world patient data. Participating organizations must demonstrate clinical improvement to secure outcome-linked financial compensation. Stakeholders continue evaluating payment tier sustainability as the federal agency scales digital therapeutics across national public healthcare frameworks.

By Noormahi M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On January 15 2024 Federal health officials initially introduced the digital health pilot program.
On March 10 2025 Early participants reported initial chronic disease management data metrics.
On August 20 2025 Health agencies evaluated preliminary software and wearable device effectiveness.
On November 5 2025 Regulatory officials reviewed feedback regarding remote patient monitoring standards.
On February 12 2026 Stakeholder groups submitted formal recommendations for expanded clinical tracks.
On June 1 2026 Administrators finalized criteria for incoming medical technology industry applicants.
On September 16 2026 Federal authorities detailed upcoming expansion tracks for spring 2027.
On October 15 2026 Participating entities began submitting compliance frameworks for new disease categories.
On January 10 2027 Final technical integration guidelines will publish for enrolled providers.
On April 1 2027 Expanded medical tracks formally launch nationwide across approved systems.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Federal healthcare reimbursement shifts toward outcome-based digital health models.
Possible long-term US impact: Digital therapeutics secure permanent reimbursement pathways within national public healthcare.
Most affected groups: Digital health companies, Medicare patients, and technology platform providers.
Reader priority: Review official federal regulatory updates and verified industry analyst reports.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 38
Right Leaning:: 4
Left Leaning:: 6
Neutral:: 28

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes expanded patient access and equitable digital healthcare delivery. Center: Focuses on policy mechanics, regulatory frameworks, and payment structures. Right: Highlights market innovation, private industry participation, and fiscal responsibility.