HealthyConnect joins Medicare ACCESS model for chronic care support

HealthyConnect said it is participating in the CMS ACCESS model through Remote Care Partners as HHS and CMS highlighted the new Medicare payment approach in Washington. The move positions HealthyConnect to expand technology-enabled chronic care support for Medicare patients between office visits.

Why it matters: - ACCESS is designed to pay for chronic care in Original Medicare based on measurable health outcomes, not just volume of visits. - HealthyConnect’s participation could give Medicare patients more day-to-day support while giving physician practices more visibility into what happens between appointments. - The model gives participating care organizations more flexibility to combine clinical services, technology and ongoing support.

What happened: - HHS and CMS leadership hosted “Building a Healthier America: CMS ACCESS and a New Chapter in Health Innovation” on Sept. 15, 2026. - The event was scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Eastern and streamed at hhs.gov/live. - HealthyConnect announced its participation in the ACCESS Model through Remote Care Partners, the legal entity participating in the model. - HealthyConnect said it plans to expand technology-supported chronic care for Medicare patients. - CMS also scheduled the launch of the ACCESS Participant Directory alongside the event.

The details: - ACCESS stands for Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions. - The model creates a new payment approach in Original Medicare. - Participating organizations can combine clinical services, technology and ongoing support to help patients manage chronic conditions. - HealthyConnect said its approach combines clinical care teams with digital tools to support patients at home and keep treating providers informed. - The company said its model emphasizes personalized care plans, regular engagement, monitoring of progress and coordination with physicians and other healthcare professionals. - HealthyConnect said eligible patients may enroll directly with an ACCESS participant or through a provider referral. - Participation in ACCESS is voluntary, and patients keep their Original Medicare benefits and freedom to choose providers. - Patients, physician practices, pharmacies and other organizations interested in HealthyConnect’s services or referral opportunities can visit HealthyConnect.ai.

Between the lines: - The ACCESS rollout is drawing attention from healthcare investors and innovators because it opens a new payment lane for connected-care models. - HealthyConnect is positioning itself as an operational partner for practices that want chronic care support without building a new program in-house. - Gregg Smith, HealthyConnect CEO, said the company’s goal is to connect brief office visits with practical guidance and care-team support in daily life. - Julie Yoo, a general partner on Andreessen Horowitz’s Bio + Health team, described the ACCESS model in published commentary as: “CMMI ACCESS is bringing sexy back to Medicare.” - That kind of attention suggests the model could become a proving ground for tech-enabled Medicare care delivery.

What's next: - HealthyConnect will look to enroll patients and build referral relationships with providers and other organizations. - The ACCESS model’s outcomes will likely determine how widely this payment approach can scale across Medicare. - HealthyConnect said it will continue investing in the people, workflows and technology needed to deliver connected care.

The bottom line: - HealthyConnect is betting that ACCESS will accelerate a more connected, outcome-based model for chronic care in Medicare.