The 2026 Quality Payment Program (QPP) exception applications are officially available through December 31, 2026, giving eligible clinicians, groups, virtual groups, and APM participants an opportunity to request relief from certain Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting requirements when circumstances prevent successful participation.
This year’s applications include two primary exception pathways: the Promoting Interoperability Hardship Exception and the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception. These options are designed to support providers facing challenges such as decertified EHR systems, limited internet connectivity, natural disasters, practice disruptions, financial hardship, or lack of access to certified EHR technology.
The Promoting Interoperability Hardship Exception specifically applies to the Promoting Interoperability category and, if approved, removes the requirement to submit data for that category. CMS also reminds providers that small practices, non-patient facing clinicians, hospital-based clinicians, and ASC-based clinicians are automatically exempt from this reporting requirement.
The EUC Exception allows eligible participants to request reweighting for one or more MIPS performance categories when rare events outside their control significantly impact data collection or reporting capabilities. Approved applicants may be excused from reporting for affected categories, though any qualifying data submitted afterward can still be scored and included in final MIPS calculations.
APM Entities, including Shared Savings Program ACOs, may also apply for relief, but applications must cover all MIPS performance categories rather than selected categories only.
Providers interested in applying can do so through the QPP website using their HARP credentials by selecting “Exceptions Application” and submitting the appropriate request type.
Additional CMS guidance, application guides, and fact sheets are available to help organizations determine eligibility and complete the application process.
Resource: Quality Payment Program (QPP)