The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on April 1, 2026 announced that eligible organizations participating in the Innovation Center’s ACO REACH and Enhancing Oncology Models can offer a new optional Substance Access Beneficiary Engagement Incentive (BEI).
Through this optional incentive, as of the first of April, eligible hemp-derived products can be incorporated into patient care plans under clinician guidance, consistent with model requirements and applicable law.
Participants implementing this BEI can furnish up to $500 a year in hemp products, per eligible beneficiary.
This new optional incentive will be available in the Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model, which begins on January 1, 2027.
It is not a Medicare coverage change, and CMS will not pay for or reimburse providers for products under the Substance Access BEI.
Model participants are responsible for their own procurement and operational approach to integrating hemp products into their practice, consistent with model requirements and applicable law.
