CMS creates payment pathway for AI agents in Medicare
cms launches the 10-year access program, authorizing payment for ai agents that manage chronic conditions for 150 participating organizations starting july 5.
cms implemented the access program on july 5, selecting 150 organizations to test a payment model that reimburses for ai agents managing chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and mental health. this policy shift moves away from fee-for-service models, enabling payment for autonomous care coordination tools like pair team's voice agent flora, which handles intake and check-ins. the program prioritizes measurable health outcomes over required clinical activities, offering a new regulatory pathway for scaling ai in healthcare. early internal data from pair team suggests this approach reduces avoidable hospital and er visits by addressing social determinants of health alongside clinical needs.