Wearable health technology has become part of everyday life. Smart rings like Oura, smart watches like Apple and Garmin and even medical devices like blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters are all handy tech that have become readily available, helping track health in real time. Wearable health trackers can perform a variety of functions to organize your health goals. This includes tracking your physical activity, monitoring heart health, sleep patterns and even mindfulness tips. Recently, health trackers are moving from being primarily consumer wellness gadgets toward part of connected, clinically supported healthcare.
CMS began a new program on July 5, 2026, called the ACCESS model. This initiative helps medical beneficiaries who have qualifying chronic conditions like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, chronic musculoskeletal pain and behavioral health concerns. The model is a 10-year test, running through 2036, of a new Medicare payment model designed to expand access to technology and support chronic care.
ACCESS uses outcome-aligned payments that require healthcare organizations to meet measurable improvements to receive full payment. Examples include:
- Improving or controlling blood pressure for someone with hypertension.
- Managing diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
- Addressing chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- Treating depression or anxiety.
- Using technology and connected devices to help patients monitor and manage their conditions.
CMS identifies wearable devices as smart watches and fitness trackers as well as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters and glucose monitors. The model allows healthcare providers to give their patients devices if it is relevant to the care they are providing. It’s important to note, this technology can be provided to patients, but patients are not required to purchase devices to receive care.
The new initiative aims to test whether outcome-based, technology-supported care can improve health outcomes. It’s another avenue for chronic condition care management, and communication between patients and care teams, giving providers important health insights in between office visits. According to the Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry, 59% of wearable owners already discuss their health insights with their provider. Since June 2026, 46% of adults own a wearable tracker, according to a Rock Health study that surveyed 8,000 people.
