Connxus as a CMS Aligned Data Network

Connxus has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a CMS Aligned Data Network, making Connxus the only Health Information Exchange (HIE) in Texas with this designation.

This designation reflects Connxus’ readiness to support CMS’ Health Technology Ecosystem and Digital Health priorities through secure, standards-based interoperability infrastructure to support participation in CMS programs such as the ACCESS Model, the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), MAHA Elevate, the Lead ACO Model, and other federal initiatives. As an Aligned Network, Connxus helps translate national CMS strategy into operational, on-the-ground implementation across Texas supporting patients, providers, payers, community organizations, and technology partners.

Our role is to serve as a trusted bridge between CMS and Texas stakeholders, ensuring that CMS-aligned programs can be implemented at scale while maintaining strong governance, privacy, security, and patient-centered data access.

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CMS Health Technology Ecosystem: Turning Vision into Implementation

CMS’ Health Technology Ecosystem is designed to modernize how health information is accessed, shared, and used enabling patients to easily access and share their data, supporting providers at the point of care, and reducing administrative burden across the healthcare system.

Aligned Networks play a central role in this ecosystem by enabling:

• • Secure, standards-based data exchange
  • Digital identity, consent, and access services
  • Patient-centered data sharing across systems and apps
  • Integration across EHRs, payers, care coordination tools, and community platforms
  • Interoperability frameworks built on FHIR APIs and national standards

Connxus provides the trusted data infrastructure that allows this ecosystem to function in real-world care environments across Texas.

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CMS Initiatives Supported by Connxus

As a CMS Aligned Network, Connxus is positioned to support multiple CMS initiatives advancing across Texas.

CMS ACCESS Model

The CMS ACCESS Model represents a major, long-term investment in advancing chronic care through scalable, technology-enabled solutions — with an estimated $10 billion per year over a 10-year period in outcomes-based payments. The program is enrolling the first cohort by April 1^st, 2026.

The ACCESS Model emphasizes:

• • Technology and digital tools (including telehealth and remote monitoring)
  • Care coordination and integration across primary and specialty care
  • In-person and virtual care delivery
  • Ongoing care monitoring and follow-up
  • Outcome-aligned payments tied to measurable health improvements

The ACCESS Model includes four clinical tracks:

• • Early cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) conditions (e.g., hypertension, obesity, prediabetes)
  • Cardio-kidney-metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes, CKD, heart disease)
  • Musculoskeletal pain and chronic pain management
  • Behavioral health (e.g., depression, anxiety)

Key ACCESS Model timelines include:

• • First cohort application deadline: April 1, 2026
  • First cohort participation begins: July 5, 2026
  • Rolling applications accepted through April 1, 2033
  • Subsequent cohorts beginning January 1, 2027, and quarterly thereafter

Connxus supports ACCESS Model readiness by enabling the interoperable data infrastructure needed for care coordination, performance measurement, patient access, and outcome tracking across participating organizations.

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Connxus supports rural health transformation efforts by providing connectivity and data exchange capabilities that link rural providers, community partners, and statewide and federal initiatives. Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) like Connxus are essential to achieving RHTP’s goals, as they enable seamless data sharing, care coordination, and real-time insights that rural communities will rely on for this program.

This enables:

• • Data-driven care coordination in rural communities
  • Population health and quality reporting
  • Integration across clinical and community-based services
  • Support for sustainable rural care models

Kill the Clipboard

Connxus is approved to support CMS’ Kill the Clipboard initiative, which reduces repetitive paperwork and enables patients to securely share their information once and use it across care settings.

This initiative supports:

• • Reduced administrative burden for patients and providers
  • Fewer repeated forms and intake processes
  • Greater patient control over how data is shared
  • Easier, more connected care across providers, health plans, and apps

Kill the Clipboard is a foundational capability of the CMS Health Technology Ecosystem and a key step toward truly patient-centered data access.

The first pilots will be demonstrated by the end of March 2026 with the goal of enabling patients to share their health data with any providers electronically. Future pilots will include the collection and sharing of family history across providers by mid-2026.

CMS Health Technology Ecosystem and Future Innovation Models

Beyond named programs, Connxus supports CMS’ broader Health Technology Ecosystem and emerging innovation models, including initiatives related to lifestyle and wellness, value-based care, and advanced utilization management. This includes programs such as MAHA Elevate and the LEAP ACO Model, helping organizations comply with and participate in these initiatives.

Our role is to provide the trusted data foundation that allows new CMS models to be implemented locally while maintaining national interoperability standards.

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Alignment with CMS’ Digital Health Roadmap

CMS’ Digital Health Roadmap focuses investment and innovation in three core areas:

Tech-Based Care

Supporting technology-enabled care models, including telehealth, remote monitoring, and digital care delivery, to expand access and improve management of chronic and complex conditions.

Data Interoperability

Advancing seamless, standards-based exchange so health information follows the patient across care settings, organizations, and digital tools.

AI and Value

Enabling responsible use of automation and analytics to reduce administrative burden, improve utilization management, and support value-based care and outcome-driven payment models.

Connxus’ interoperability platform and governance model are designed to support these priorities by ensuring data can move securely and appropriately across participants and programs.

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Supporting Texas’ Role in the National Health Technology Ecosystem

Connxus serves as a bridge between CMS’ national strategy and Texas’ healthcare and community infrastructure. With decades of experience supporting regional and statewide initiatives, Connxus helps ensure CMS programs can be implemented in ways that reflect local realities while remaining aligned with national policy and technical standards.

As a CMS Aligned Network, Connxus is committed to strengthening Texas’ role in the national health technology ecosystem and supporting a more connected, patient-centered, and outcome-driven healthcare system.

If your organization is preparing for or participating in CMS initiatives, Connxus can support your interoperability, data exchange, and implementation readiness. Contact us today at info@connxus.org to get started.