CMS adds substance use, heart failure to ACCESS model

Starting spring 2027, participating organizations get paid for hitting measurable health improvements (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-adds-medicare-options-help-people-manage-substance-use-disorder-heart-failure-other-common) in four new areas: heart failure, COPD, substance use disorders and nicotine dependence. The SUD track covers opioids, alcohol and other substances, with support for co-occurring depression and anxiety. Current analysis (https://www.onhealthcare.tech/p/medicares-access-model-just-added-b40) has half the behavioral payment withheld until outcomes are proven.