Timeline & Key Dates

Important milestones and deadlines for the ACCESS Model.

Model Duration

10 Years: July 5, 2026 – June 30, 2036

Application Timeline

January 2026Applications opened via CMS online portal

April 1, 2026First cohort application deadline (closed)

July 5, 2026Model launched — First cohort began with 160+ organizations

September 15, 2026CMS announced five new tracks starting April 1, 2027

October 1, 2026Application deadline for January 2027 start

January 1, 2027Second cohort begins

April 1, 2027New tracks begin: heart failure, COPD, substance use disorder, tobacco cessation, chronic MSK pain follow-on

Through 2033Rolling admissions continue with multiple entry points

June 30, 2036Model ends

Preparation Checklist by Phase

Before You Apply

Planning

Review eligibility requirements
Assess organizational readiness
Identify clinical track(s) to participate in
Begin Medicare Part B enrollment (if needed)
Designate physician Clinical Director
Evaluate HIPAA and FDA compliance status

Application (rolling; Oct 1, 2026 for Jan 2027 cohort)

Application

Submit application via CMS online portal
Prepare technical infrastructure for API reporting
Establish HIE integration capabilities
Train staff on outcome measurement protocols
Develop care delivery workflows

After Acceptance

Onboarding

Receive application decision from CMS
Complete all onboarding requirements
Finalize care protocols for selected tracks
Set up patient enrollment processes
Test API connectivity with CMS systems

Your Cohort Start Date

Launch

Begin patient enrollment
Start care delivery under ACCESS Model
Begin outcome tracking and reporting

Key Dates Quick Reference

Date	Event	Action Required
Jul 5, 2026	Model launched	First cohort enrolling patients
Oct 1, 2026	Next cohort deadline	Submit application for Jan 2027 start
Jan 1, 2027	Second cohort starts	Start patient enrollment
Apr 1, 2027	New tracks begin (heart failure, COPD, SUD, tobacco cessation, MSK follow-on)	No reapplication needed
Jun 30, 2036	Model ends	—

Model Evaluation & Potential Expansion

The ACCESS Model will be evaluated for its impact on quality of care and Medicare spending. If the model improves quality without increasing costs—or reduces costs without harming quality—and the CMS Office of the Actuary certifies those findings, the Secretary of HHS may consider expanding or making the model permanent through rulemaking, per Section 1115A authority.