ACO REACH is one of the three Medicare program types that can provide CBD to eligible patients. Here's what it is, how it works, and how to find out if your doctor is in one.
Related: Complete Medicare CBD Guide | Who Qualifies | For ACO REACH Clinics
What ACO REACH Stands For
ACO REACH stands for Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health. It's a CMS Innovation Center model in which groups of physicians take on accountability for the total cost and quality of care for their attributed Medicare patients. When these organizations keep care quality high and costs manageable, they earn a share of the savings. See innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/aco-reach.
How ACOs Work in Plain Language
An ACO is a network of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who agree to coordinate care for a defined group of Medicare patients. Instead of each provider billing separately for individual services, ACO providers work as a coordinated team. The ACO as a whole is accountable for the quality and cost of care for its patient population. ACO REACH is a specific CMS model that emphasizes health equity and community health alongside cost efficiency.
What Makes REACH Different
ACO REACH has a specific focus on reaching underserved and rural communities and addressing health equity. It includes participation from physician-led organizations that traditionally haven't participated in ACO models, expanding the program to more diverse patient populations. Many large physician groups and health systems across the country participate in ACO REACH.
How the CBD Benefit Works Within ACO REACH
ACO REACH organizations can elect the Substance Access BEI benefit as part of their program participation. When they elect it, they submit a CMS implementation plan describing the products they'll provide, dosing, patient eligibility criteria, and safeguards. After CMS approves the plan, physicians in the organization can provide qualifying oral CBD products to eligible patients at no charge, up to $500 per year.
How to Find Out If Your Doctor Is in an ACO REACH Organization
Ask your doctor's office directly: "Is your practice part of an ACO REACH organization?" Many patients don't know which ACO (if any) their doctor belongs to, the front desk or billing department will know. You can also call your Medicare plan administrator and ask whether your primary care physician's organization participates in ACO REACH. A third option: check innovation.cms.gov for Innovation Center model participant information.
If Your Doctor Isn't in ACO REACH
Farm-direct CBD is available for direct purchase without any program involvement. And program participation is growing, more organizations are completing implementation plan submissions throughout 2026. See our program updates page for the latest.
Is my doctor in an ACO REACH organization?
Ask their office directly. The billing or administrative team will know. You can also call your Medicare plan administrator and ask whether your assigned primary care organization participates in ACO REACH.
Does every doctor in an ACO REACH organization offer CBD?
No. The organization must have specifically elected the Substance Access BEI benefit AND received CMS approval for their implementation plan. Being in ACO REACH is necessary but not sufficient.
How many patients does ACO REACH cover?
ACO REACH covers millions of Medicare beneficiaries across hundreds of participating organizations nationwide. It's the broadest of the three program types offering the CBD benefit.
Can a rural doctor be in ACO REACH?
Yes. ACO REACH was specifically designed to include rural and underserved communities. Rural physicians and health systems are eligible to participate, and the program actively encourages participation from providers in less-served areas.
How do I find an ACO REACH organization near me?
Ask your current doctor. Ask your Medicare plan administrator. Check innovation.cms.gov for participant information. If you want to switch to a physician in a participating organization, your local Medicare plan administrator can help you find network providers.
What happens if my doctor leaves an ACO REACH organization?
If your doctor changes organizations, their CBD benefit participation may change. Ask your doctor about their organizational affiliation status when you select a primary care physician.
Does ACO REACH participation change my other Medicare benefits?
No. ACO REACH changes how your care is coordinated and measured, but it doesn't reduce your standard Medicare benefits. The CBD benefit is an addition to your standard coverage, not a replacement for anything.
Can I request to be attributed to an ACO REACH organization?
Attribution in ACO REACH is typically based on your primary care utilization, which doctor you see most often. Discuss with your primary care doctor and your Medicare plan if you want to understand your attribution status.
