Eligible providers who submit a hardship exemption application may still attest to meaningful use and receive incentive payments if their attestation is successful.
CMS released a new frequently asked question regarding hardship exemption applications.
CMS says providers who cannot attest for a 2015 reporting period or who believe their attestation may be unsuccessful may apply for the hardship exemption to avoid a payment adjustment in 2017. However, if a provider who applied for a hardship exemption still successfully attests to meaningful use, they will receive a payment incentive.
The deadline to submit a hardship exemption application for eligible professionals is March 15, and for eligible hospitals is April 1.
The meaningful use attestation deadline is March 11.
More articles on meaningful use:
CMS' Andy Slavitt hints at MU's finale: 6 things to know
The end of meaningful use: 6 health IT leaders react
20 things to know about meaningful use