CMS to Automatically Exempt MIPS Program Clinicians Affected by Hurricanes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) clinicians in counties affected by hurricanes Beryl, Debby, Francine and Helene will be automatically exempted from 2024 MIPS scoring. The MIPS program is a component of the Quality Payment Program which adjusts physicians’ Medicare reimbursement depending on the quality of their care.

MIPS physicians reporting as individuals do not need to apply for exemption; those who do not submit performance data for any 2024 MIPS category will be automatically exempted. Physicians participating in MIPS at the group level should apply for an exemption if they wish to be reweighted for 2024. Note that submission of any 2024 MIPS data to CMS will negate the automatic exemption.

For more information about CMS’s exemption policies, review the 2024 MIPS Automatic EUC Policy document.

If you have questions about 2024 MIPS, contact Zach Smith, ACR Senior Quality Programs Specialist.