Top 10 Insights from the 2026 WHIC Florida Innovation Summit + Friday's news re CMS' ACCESS MODEL

The Washington Health Innovation Council gathered in South Florida on February 11, 2026 and gained numerous insights, perspectives and intel from 24 government, business, policy and legal experts (not to mention thoughtful comments from our attendees and guests). But these 10 stood out. Additionally, as Mia Heck notes, CMS/CMMI released a set of payment rates, 4 tracks and deadlines and we've summarized below with some key flags.

1. Do You Believe in Miracles? 2026 Begins With Bipartisan Progress on Capitol Hill: Healthcare policy saw significant movement in the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations. Key highlights include PBM reform, the extension of the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program through September 2029 and a range of other rare disease provisions.

2. Regulatory Reform Needs to Aim for Gold... not Bronze: There is an urgent need for smarter, faster processes at HHS and Year 1 signs are promising (including the historic use of AI at the FDA and many of the CMMI models). Key priorities remain focused on reducing administrative hurdles, reforming or eliminating legacy processes that have often been updated in the EU and yet not yet here in the US and of course much more coordination between FDA regulators and CMS.

3. Remarks by Senior Trump CMS Official Alec Aramanda: Principal Deputy Administrator Medicare Aramanda highlighted Dr. Oz and the Secretary’s agenda pointing to the opportunities for the sectors to collaborate--original Medicare with Medicaid and MA. Administrator Oz and Kim Brandt are aggressively going after massive fraud and waste including scores of bad actors in Medicare. Accountability is now greatly prioritized . On the new "Prior Authorization" priority, CMS leadership is challenging the sector to solve the problem without a big government solution. Several priorities relate to the physician fee schedule including reducing disparities for independent physician practices to allow them to serve the community where it is best for them to practice. Looking to the Part C and D rule for opportunities to “right size” these programs. Advances in fraud prevention including “clawing back” in close to “real time." Finally, in dialogue with a medtech member, Aramanda spoke clearly about working on a more predictable coverage pathway to counter the “valley of death” between FDA approval and Medicare payments.

4. AI in Ophthalmology Leading the Way in AI Innovation and addressing physician workforce shortages. In Pennsylvania, autonomous AI detection for diabetic retinopathy with Eyenuk’s EyeArt is increasing patient reach and surgeon efficiency. In Alaska, a new multimodal AI tool by MyEyesAI is being tested to expand telemedicine capacity and patient reach in the nation's largest state (with a serious physician shortage). The wrap up by American Academy of Ophthalmology included a review of multiple ways physicians are using AI including streamlining administrative tasks, better interpretation of Imaging results, adding diagnosis and treatment, tracking patient health and supporting research and innovation.

5. e-Mental Health Initiatives Fill a Massive Gap: Organizations (employers and schools) are increasingly facilitating mental health dialogue through a combination of AI and human interactions. Technology is currently helping millions navigate the high demand for substance abuse and mental health providers.

6. 50 Billion Reasons to Care About The Rural Transformation Fund: CMS has announced the Rural Health Transformation Program, offering an average of $200 million per state over five years. With $50 billion at stake, providers and innovators should engage at the state level now. Applications are available, with funds expected by March and a requirement to be obligated by October. State Engagement: Florida’s health agency is actively educating potential grantees and partners ahead of the Fall 2026 deadlines for the Rural Transformation Fund. Message to WHIC members: the time is now to get engaged - the timelines are very tight. 

7. BIOSECURE Act Passes: Bipartisan leaders agree on the threats to US innovation from China and growing coalition helped pass this provision as part of the 2026 NDAA. This legislation limits government funds to certain Chinese biotechnology companies. As Goodwin's Matt Wetzel noted, medtech and diagnostics companies are now closely monitoring these government actions.

8. Florida’s Innovation Leadership - Yesterday's Life Science Underdog is Now on the Medal Stand: The Sunshine State continues to emerge as a premier hub for medtech and biotech innovation. Key stats from BioFlorida, Inc. and eMerge Americas: Florida is 4th nationally in clinical trials initiated. Medical Manufacturing: Ranks 2nd in the nation for both medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Investments & Innovation: Secured $4 billion in bioscience venture capital investments (2019–2023) and 8,778 patents. Miami is increasingly attracting new AI ventures, investments, energy and the needed workforce. Talent Pipeline: Over 40,000 professionals work in the industry, supported by approximately 120,000 STEM degrees awarded in 2022. Regional Hubs: Miami includes the 2nd largest medical district in the U.S., featuring 100,000+ health professionals. 

9. Focus on the Pentagon - DoD’s Expanding Biotech Footprint: The NDAA includes provisions for a biotechnology management office and new research funding. Additionally, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology has proposed 30 recommendations to streamline regulations and expand the military’s role in biotech R&D.

10. Blasting off -- Healthcare Innovation in Space: The intersection of space, life sciences, and investment—particularly in Florida—is an emerging frontier, as highlighted by Rep. Bilirakis. 

BONUS: Friday's news re CMS' ACCESS

The CMMI ACCESS Model Takes Shape: Rates, Tracks and Deadlines 

Two days after our WHIC Summit, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Center (CMMI) released payment rates for the new Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions, or ACCESS, model demonstration. Through ACCESS and for the first time, digital health and health technology companies (model participants) will be eligible for payment for the patients' use of wearables for chronic care management for Medicare beneficiaries.

The ACCESS model will test the Outcome Aligned Payment (OAP) reimbursement approach, different than traditional fee-for-service in that payment is tied to meeting measurable health outcomes. This model does not change any Medicare benefits or coverage for patients, and is designed to reward results from technology-enabled care.

This payment model will be tested in Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage) and run for ten years, with the first performance period beginning July 5, 2026. The model is designed to complement patients’ receiving traditional health care and is expected to improve outcomes in areas where care delivery is challenged, such as in rural areas. The four clinical tracks address common chronic conditions, including:

Track 1: Early cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions (eCKM): hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia (high or abnormal lipids, including cholesterol), obesity or overweight with marker of central obesity, and prediabetes

Track 2: Cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions (CKM): diabetes, chronic kidney disease (3a or 3b), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart disease

Track 3: Musculoskeletal conditions (MSK): chronic musculoskeletal pain

Track 4: Behavioral health conditions (BH): depression and anxiety

The payment rates released February 13 outline thresholds for participants to meet in years one and two of the model and can be found in Table one here. Model participants who meet outcome metrics will receive recurring quarterly payments for managing chronic conditions.

As part of the Admin's commitment to transparency, all outcome data for patients in the model will be publicly posted. JKS clients and WHIC members should note, at any time, if rules for participation and billing are not closely followed, participants will be ejected from the model. Applications received by April 1, 2026 could be eligible to participate in the first performance period, which will run from July 5, 2026, through December 31, 2027. Applications received after that date will not be eligible to participate until January 1, 2027. For more info contact Mia Heck.