Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, physicians may now apply for an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) hardship exception to avoid penalties of up to 9% in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).

The penalty would apply in 2025 based on the 2023 performance period. The exception will not be automatic, and interested physicians and groups must actively request reweighting of one or more MIPS performance categories due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). Requesting reweighting of all four MIPS performance categories will avoid a MIPS penalty in 2025.

Applications can be submitted through Jan. 2, 2024.