NAACOS and Innovaccer: Health Care Leaders Rethink Tech for CMS’ ACCESS Model
Survey finds funding is the biggest barrier to adopting technology-enabled care
The National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) and Innovaccer today published The Technology Strategy Survey, a joint report examining health care organizations’ technology investments and strategies. The findings demonstrate the industry’s interest in using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ ACCESS Model (Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions) to shape care, but hesitation over payment uncertainty.
The survey of 116 value-based care leaders conducted in August found 72 percent say ACCESS is shifting their technology strategy, and 59 percent of the respondents responded that ACCESS co-management payments were not a meaningful funding source. That 42-point gap between strategic conviction and financial conviction captures the central tension of the moment as CMS’ flagship technology pilot enters a market already in motion, illustrated by key findings:
- 93 percent of respondents have an AI strategy for care delivery,
- 73 percent have already invested in AI-enabled care management or virtual care, and
- Technology priorities for the next 12 months map directly to what chronic care demands: 56 percent are prioritizing AI-driven risk stratification, 52 percent are focused on EHR and data interoperability, and 46 percent on patient engagement and outreach.
- 45 percent named funding the single biggest barrier with 80 percent reporting that technology costs are borne out of the operating budget.
- Beyond funding, 51 percent of respondents see a need for better data and interoperability standing, 45 percent need clearer CMS regulatory guidance and 40 percent report wanting stronger financial protections to help advance their technology strategies.
While there is clear acknowledgement of the role ACCESS could play in shaping technology, as well as the role of primary care, only 21 percent of leaders are formally monitoring claims data to understand which of their patients are enrolled in ACCESS. This visibility gap is likely rooted in leaders’ wait-and-see approach to partnerships, with 75 percent reporting no change or plans yet alter their current approach.
“Accountable care leaders have been early adopters in using technology to improve health outcomes and reduce administrative burden,” said Emily Brower, president and chief executive officer of NAACOS. “The ACCESS model is a clear signal reinforcing these investments. Many leaders are optimistic that the model will create the needed regulatory guidance, bolster interoperability and data sharing, and set a path towards a stronger evidence base and payment structure to realize the potential of AI and tech-enabled chronic care management.”
“The market has made up its mind that ACCESS matters. What this research shows is that proof is the currency that closes the gap between strategic conviction and financial commitment,” said Abhinav Shashank, co-founder and chief executive officer of Innovaccer. “More than 90% of leaders already have an AI strategy, and they know exactly what chronic care needs to look like in a world where the workforce math no longer works. What they are waiting for is documented outcomes, clean data, and a partner who keeps the primary care physician at the center of every decision. That is exactly the standard Innovaccer and Story Health are built to meet, and this research gives every organization in the market a clear map for how to evaluate any partner against it.”
The Technology Strategy Survey is available at https://innovaccer.com/access-strategy-survey-2026.
