ASTRO supports the “Medicare Physician Data-driven Performance Payment System Act of 2026” (HR 8622), introduced on April 30, 2026, by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Herb Conaway (D-NJ). The bill makes key, targeted reforms to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) including freezing the performance threshold at 75 for three years and directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to recommend an alternative approach.

Key provisions in the “Medicare Physician Data-drive Performance Payment System Act of 2026” include: 

• Freezing the current MIPS performance threshold at 75 for three years to promote stability in MIPS, as well as mandating GAO to conduct a study, in consultation with national medical specialty societies, to make recommendations to Congress and HHS about an alternative threshold methodology.
• Eliminating the MIPS win-lose “tournament style” payment adjustments (i.e., the +/- 9%) to ensure physicians are no longer subjected to steep penalties. 
  • In lieu of penalties, the legislation links physicians’ MIPS performance to a portion of their annual payment update (e.g., either the existing 0.25% under MACRA or the percentage increase in the Medicare Economic Index (MEI)).
• Mandating CMS to provide at least three quarters worth of MIPS feedback reports and Medicare claims data to physicians during a given performance year.
  • Failure to provide these quarterly reports leads to physicians earning higher payments.