Medicare’s New AI-Friendly Payment Model Could Transform Healthcare
Medicare’s new ACCESS model will pay for AI agents that help patients between doctor visits. This could make healthcare more personal and proactive, especially for those managing chronic conditions.
Medicare has introduced a new payment model called ACCESS that, for the first time, will cover services provided by AI agents. These agents can monitor patients between visits, check in via calls, coordinate housing referrals, and even ensure medications are picked up. Until now, there was no way to pay for these types of AI-assisted services under Medicare.
This change matters because it could make healthcare more personalized and proactive. Imagine having an AI assistant that reminds you to take your medication, checks in to see how you’re feeling, and even helps with non-medical needs like finding stable housing. For people managing chronic conditions or recovering from surgery, this could be a game-changer.
If you or someone you know relies on Medicare, keep an eye out for new AI-powered health services becoming available. Providers may start offering these tools to help manage care more effectively. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider if they plan to integrate AI agents into their services.