Important Quality Payment Plan Updates

08/19/2026

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

In this Issue

Register Now for the 2027 Self-Nomination and QCDR Measure Submission Question and Answer Session on August 26, 2026
Visit the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Resource Library to Access the Updated 2026Qualified Registry Qualified Posting 
Reminder to Submit Comments on the CY 2027 PFS Proposed Rule Policy for Quality Payment Program by 9/14/2026

Register Now for the 2027 Self-Nomination and QCDR Measure Submission Question and Answer Session on August 26, 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a virtual question and answer (Q&A) session on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 1 – 2 p.m. ET. Participants can ask questions during this Q&A session about the Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) and Qualified Registry Self-Nomination and QCDR Measure Submission processes for the 2027 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance period.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions regarding the QCDR and Qualified Registry Self-Nomination forms available on the Quality Payment Program (QPP) website as well as the QCDR Measure Submission process for those submitting QCDR measures.

What are QCDRs and Qualified Registries?

QCDRs and Qualified Registries are CMS-approved third party intermediaries that collect clinical data on behalf of clinicians for data submission. Only intermediaries that want to become (and that meet the requirements of) a QCDR and/or Qualified Registry need to complete the Self-Nomination form.

You should attend the session if your organization plans to self-nominate as a 2027 QCDR or Qualified Registry. Participation in this session is optional. MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, virtual groups, subgroups, and Alternative Payment Model (APM) Entities, including Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), that want to report for the 2027 MIPS performance year via a QCDR or Qualified Registry reporting mechanism don’t need to self-nominate.

Session Details

Title: 2027 Self-Nomination and QCDR Measure Submission Question and Answer Session

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time: 1 – 2 p.m. ET

Event Registration

To register for the 2027 Self-Nomination and QCDR Measure Submission Q&A Session, please email the QCDR Vendor Support Inbox at QCDRVendorSupport@gdit.com, and the PIQMMS team will provide the webinar information to participate.

The slide deck, recording, and transcript from this webinar will be posted to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Webinar Library in the weeks following the webinar. If you have any questions prior to the event, please contact QPP@cms.hhs.gov.

Visit the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Resource Library to Access the Updated 2026 Qualified Registry Qualified Posting 

The 2026 Qualified Registry Qualified Posting is updated to reflect new or resolved remedial actions and/or terminations applied to the third party intermediaries. For more information, visit the QPP Resource Library to access the updated qualified posting and review the version history tab within the qualified posting.

Reminder to Submit Comments on the CY 2027 PFS Proposed Rule Policy for Quality Payment Program by 9/14/2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its Calendar Year (CY) 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule, which includes proposed policies for the Quality Payment Program (QPP).

The CY 2027 PFS Proposed Rule includes proposals for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs), as well as several Requests for Information (RFIs).

Specifically, we’re proposing policies that:

Move towards the full implementation of MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs).

Focus on prevention and wellness in patient care.

Reduce administrative burden.

Promote more meaningful participation that drives quality and value.

2027 Policy Proposal Highlights

Key QPP policies that we are proposing in the CY 2027 Medicare PFS Proposed Rule include:

Sunsetting the traditional MIPS reporting option after the 2028 performance year.

Introducing 3 new MVPs for the 2027 performance year that are related to diabetic disease, hypertension, and hospitalists, and modifying all 27 previously finalized MVPs.

Replacing the outcome/high priority measure requirement for the quality category with a new MIPS core measure requirement.

Revising the MIPS Promoting Interoperability performance category reporting requirements in the CY 2026, 2027, and 2028 reporting periods.

Modifying the APM Performance Pathway Plus (APP Plus) quality measurement set and introducing a new collection type: Medicare Electronic Clinical Quality Measures for Accountable Care Organizations Participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (Medicare eCQMs).

Applying Qualifying APM Participant (QP) and Partial QP determinations at the Taxpayer Identification Number/National Provider Identifier (TIN/NPI) level instead of the NPI level.

Overview of RFIs

We are also seeking feedback on RFIs about the following topics:

The future transition to FHIR-based digital quality reporting for QPP including the overall transition timeline, key milestones, and implementation considerations.

Whether we should consider MVP score normalization within an MVP to ensure scoring fairness across MVPs.

Improvements and alternative options to the current star rating assignment methodology for quality measure scores collected under the administrative claims collection type.

How Do I Comment on the CY 2027 Proposed Rule?

The proposed rule includes directions for submitting comments within the 60-day comment period. Comments must be submitted by Monday, September 14, 2026.

When commenting, refer to file code: CMS-1848-P

We don’t accept FAX transmissions.

Use 1 of the 3 following ways to officially submit your comments:

Electronically: regulations.gov

Regular mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1848-P, P.O. Box 8016, Baltimore, MD 21244-8016.

Express or overnight mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1848-P, Mail Stop C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.

Additional Resources

Learn more about QPP proposals in the following resources:

2027 Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule Fact Sheet and Policy Comparison Table (PDF) – This resource provides an overview of QPP proposals and RFIs included in the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule, and a comparison table contrasting existing policies with proposals.

Proposed Timeline: Transitioning from Traditional MIPS to MVPs (PDF) – This graphic displays the timeline for sunsetting traditional MIPS as proposed in in the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule.

Medicare Shared Savings Program Proposals Fact Sheet (LINK) – This resource reviews information on the proposals specific to participation in the Shared Savings Program

2027 Proposed and Modified MVPs Guide (PDF) – This resource reviews details of the newly proposed MVPs and proposed changes to existing MVPs. You may also review proposals for new and updated MVPs by visiting the Explore MVPs page of the QPP website.

CMS News: Trump Administration Announces $35 million to Support Investments in Rapid Response Capabilities to Improve Rural Pennsylvania Healthcare

08/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2026

Contact: CMS Media Relations
(202) 690-6145 | CMS Media Inquiries

Trump Administration Announces $35 million to Support Investments in Rapid Response Capabilities to Improve Rural Pennsylvania Healthcare

Federal investment will help provide technology, equipment and expanded transportation options for communities across Pennsylvania

The Trump Administration announced that $35 million, made possible through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is being put to work to improve health outcomes among rural Pennsylvanians by updating to new, more modern screening technology, buying equipment to bring additional operating rooms online, and expanding transportation options. This initiative will provide up to $1 million in funding to healthcare providers and hospitals per eligible location, with a total of $35 million available through this funding opportunity.

“President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.”

“President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Pennsylvania,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.”

This investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act— passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion, five-year national investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.

“Everywhere I go in Pennsylvania, I am hearing about the need to strengthen rural healthcare. As a result of the Working Families Tax Cuts, we are making a historic commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to the high-quality care they deserve,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “Today’s $35 million in Rural Health Transformation Program funding will allow hospitals and providers across the Commonwealth to invest in the equipment and supplies that translate directly into better outcomes for patients. Part of a broader $193,294,054 investment in Pennsylvania this fiscal year, this funding reflects the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening rural healthcare. Pennsylvania’s rural communities deserve nothing less than excellent, accessible healthcare close to home, and that's exactly what this investment helps deliver.”

“After decades of underinvestment, rural communities in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos are receiving direct support to modernize health care,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “By securing nearly $200 million dollars for Pennsylvania providers through the Rural Health Transformation Program in FY 2026 alone, we are helping address the unique health care needs of these communities. From buildings and transportation to maternal care and mental health services, these investments will help to provide the high-quality care that the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve.”

"Rural communities like those across Northeastern Pennsylvania deserve access to the same quality healthcare as anywhere else. The Rural Health Transformation Fund is an important opportunity to strengthen hospitals, support rural providers, and make sure families can get quality care close to home,” said Rep. Rob Bresnahan. “I look forward to fighting for every dollar NEPA deserves and making sure these federal investments deliver real results for the people we represent.”

“When Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, we made an explicit choice to create the Rural Health Transformation Program to confront the challenges unique to rural communities like those in Pennsylvania’s 9th District,” said Congressman Dan Meuser. “This investment will expand access to quality healthcare across our district and reverse years of decline in rural communities. The Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering historic results for the American people by strengthening rural healthcare, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring that communities across Pennsylvania have access to the quality care they deserve.”

“Healthcare affordability is yet one more reason I fought so hard to get President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut across the line – because I know the struggle of Americans to afford healthcare, which is likely the second greatest financial strain in our households, and the President recognizes it, too,” said Congressman Scott Perry. “I’m happy to be fighting every day for Pennsylvanians in the 10th District to make their lives easier and more affordable.”

“Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are lifelines for the communities they serve. Through the creation of the Rural Health Transformation Program, Republicans in Congress and President Trump made a historic commitment to strengthening rural healthcare. It is great to see that investment delivering real resources to Pennsylvania providers so they can modernize equipment, expand access to care, and better serve patients close to home,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

“As someone who practiced medicine in rural communities for more than 25 years, I saw firsthand the challenges families face when care is out of reach,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “Expanding access to quality care in communities that are far too often left behind is essential to ensuring every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to live a healthier life. Made possible by the Trump Administration and the Working Families Tax Cut we passed last year, these investments will strengthen our healthcare workforce, modernize technology and facilities, and ultimately deliver better care and outcomes for patients across Pennsylvania.”

“President Trump is delivering real results for rural Pennsylvania. This $35 million investment in rural healthcare, made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts, will help communities across the Commonwealth access better care, modernize their hospitals, and build a stronger future,” said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler. “This is a major win for rural Pennsylvania and a great example of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans delivering for hardworking families.”

“Rural communities continue to face challenges when it comes to delivering healthcare services,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. “This investment will strengthen access to essential services, screenings, and care that Americans so desperately need but often find out of reach in rural communities. I thank the Trump Administration for its continued support of our communities.”

“Rural providers and hospitals are the backbone of our local health care communities. This funding will help to improve care for both patients and providers alike. I want to thank the Trump Administration for investing in Pennsylvania. This funding is a game changer fo