When Does CMS Send MSSP ACOs Their Benchmark?

CMS releases benchmarks for MSSP ACOs on different schedules, depending on the measure type.

For CMS Web Interface measures and eCQMs/MIPS CQMs, historical benchmarks are typically released in January following the performance year. For administrative claims measures and Medicare CQMs, benchmarks are released the following calendar year after the submission period closes.

Benchmark Release Timeline

• Timing: Benchmarks are released in January after the performance year ends.
• Example: For PY 2024, benchmarks are published in January 2025.

• Timing: Benchmarks are posted in the calendar year that follows the performance period—after the quality data submission window closes.
• Example: For PY 2024, these benchmarks will be released in CY 2025.

This staggered schedule ensures CMS has sufficient time to process different data types before making them available for comparison and evaluation.

Transition to Historical Benchmarks

Beginning in 2026, CMS plans to transition Medicare CQMs to historical benchmarks exclusively. This change will streamline quality reporting and create a more consistent basis for evaluating performance over time.

Importantly, CMS will not extend the eCQM/MIPS reporting incentive to Medicare CQMs, reinforcing the move toward historical data-driven benchmarking.

How Medisolv Helps

Medisolv simplifies ACO quality benchmarking and reporting by helping organizations:

• Integrate data from multiple EHRs and sources for a unified view

• Automate benchmark alerts and reminders

• Align submissions with CMS deadlines and data validation requirements

Focus on improving patient care while Medisolv manages the complexity of data reporting and benchmark monitoring.

Want to Dive Deeper? Explore these Medisolv resources for more on benchmark reporting and ACO quality management:

• 2024 APP Reporting Requirements for ACOs
• Medicare QPP: What it is, MIPS vs APMs, & How Medisolv Can Help 
• APM Performance Pathway (APP) Reporting Package