MAC QRS Data Collection Services

Standardized Data Collection for MAC QRS Reporting
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Standardized Data Collection for MAC QRS Reporting

The Medicaid and CHIP Quality Rating System (MAC QRS) is a federally mandated initiative that requires states to publicly report performance on required quality measures for Medicaid and CHIP managed care plans.

To help states meet these requirements while reducing administrative burden and reporting variation, NCQA offers streamlined MAC QRS Data Collection Services. By leveraging existing HEDIS® submission processes and infrastructure, our services offer states and their contracted health plans a standardized, centralized and trusted solution for collecting, validating and reporting the full set of MAC QRS measures.

Understanding CMS MAC QRS Requirements

Key Requirements

MAC QRS requirements apply to states that contract with:

  • Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
  • Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs)
  • Prepaid Ambulatory Health Plans (PAHPs)
Timeline

Initial MAC QRS ratings will be based on data from Measurement Year (MY) 2026.

States are required to publish ratings on a public-facing website by December 31, 2028.

Public Reporting Expectations

States must publicly report required measure performance rates for managed care plans within their state.

Ratings should be displayed in a format that enables easy comparison across plans.

How NCQA Supports MAC QRS Readiness

Prepare

Measurement Year Readiness

  • Centralized project management to support timely MAC QRS data submissions.
  • Technical assistance for health plans on submission setup, including HEDIS workflows.
  • Streamlined collection and validation of organization details through the Healthcare Organization Questionnaire (HOQ).
  • Access to Interactive Data Submission System (IDSS) for submission of clinical quality data.
  • Alignment with CMS requirements and implementation timelines.

Collect & Validate

Data Submission Services

  • Standardized data collection for full MAC QRS mandatory measure set.
  • Audit-aligned validation processes to support accurate and complete quality reporting.
  • Established submission infrastructure that leverages existing HEDIS reporting workflows.
  • Secure collection and management of quality performance data.
  • Technical assistance and submission support throughout the reporting process.

Analyze & Report

Data Access & Insights

  • Pre-configured HEDIS and non-HEDIS performance extracts that streamline state reporting and oversight requirements.
  • Advanced analytics and actionable insights that help states and health plans evaluate policy impact, identify performance gaps and target quality improvement efforts.
  • Consumer-friendly public reporting solutions with intuitive visualizations that enhance transparency and support informed beneficiary choice.
  • Measure selection guidance aligned to state priorities, including support for expanding beyond mandatory measure sets to address emerging quality and equity goals.

Please note that some services may be offered as optional add-ons or wraparound supports. Contact a member of our team to learn more about the full range of services available.

How to Get Started

If You Are a Health Plan

  1. Request HOQ access.

    Log in to my.ncqa.org, navigate to My Questions > Ask a Question, select PCS, and submit a request for Healthcare Organization Questionnaire (HOQ) access to support MAC QRS submissions.

  2. Watch for communications from NCQA.

    NCQA's Data Collection Team will provide information on submission request timelines and reporting requirements through the HOQ process.

  3. Request MAC QRS submissions through HOQ.

    Once access is granted, use HOQ to request a MAC QRS submission.*

*Data submissions are subject to applicable NCQA fees.

If You Represent a State

  1. Contact NCQA.

    Fill out the contact form to connect with NCQA's Data Collection Services team and discuss your MAC QRS implementation goals and support needs.

  2. Evaluate your implementation approach.

    Work with NCQA to determine whether Data Collection Services are the right fit for your state.

  3. Coordinate implementation activities.

    If you move forward with Data Collection Services, NCQA will work with your state and participating managed care plans to support implementation, data collection and reporting.

Additional Resources

For additional information on MAC QRS requirements and non-HEDIS measures specifications, timelines and technical resources, refer to CMS's MAC QRS webpage.

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about reporting, validation, submissions and Data Collection Services.

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What support does NCQA provide to states and health plans for MAC QRS implementation?

NCQA supports standardized data collection for the full MAC QRS mandatory measure set, including HEDIS, CAHPS® and non-HEDIS measures. Many required MAC QRS measures align with existing HEDIS specifications, data sources, submission processes and audit workflows. NCQA also facilitates independent validation of MAC QRS data through established HEDIS audit processes. For states seeking a more centralized approach, NCQA offers Data Collection Services to support MAC QRS implementation and reporting.

What are NCQA's Data Collection Services for MAC QRS?

NCQA's Data Collection Services provide states with a centralized approach to MAC QRS implementation and reporting. Services include project management and coordination with participating managed care plans, standardized and validated reporting extracts across all participating plans that are suitable for public reporting, and support for public reporting activities. States may also elect to receive office hours and technical assistance for participating managed care plans, advanced analytics and performance insights and guidance on measure selection and reporting strategy.

What are HOQ and IDSS and how are they used for MAC QRS reporting?

The Healthcare Organization Questionnaire (HOQ) is used to collect and maintain organization information and to request data submissions. The Interactive Data Submission System (IDSS) is NCQA's platform for submitting clinical quality measure data.

Will NCQA collect MAC QRS non-HEDIS Measures?

For MY 2026, NCQA will collect the three non-HEDIS MAC QRS measures in IDSS. Health plans will be provided with accompanying IDSS files and instructions to help support reporting.

How do health plans request a MAC QRS submission?

Health plans request MAC QRS submissions through the Healthcare Organization Questionnaire (HOQ). To obtain access to the HOQ, health plans should log in to my.ncqa.org, navigate to My Questions > Ask a Question, select PCS, and submit a request for HOQ access to support MAC QRS submissions. Once access is granted, NCQA's Data Collection Team will provide additional instructions and communications regarding submission requests and timelines.

What are the key MAC QRS reporting and submission deadlines?

MAC QRS reporting for MY 2026 will follow the standard HEDIS submission cycle. NCQA publishes annual schedules that include HOQ updates, testing periods, submission windows and final submission deadlines. States must publicly display MAC QRS ratings based on MY 2026 data no later than December 31, 2028.

How will MAC QRS measures be audited and validated?

All mandatory MAC QRS measures, including HEDIS and non-HEDIS measures, will be subject to the NCQA HEDIS Compliance Audit. Established audit and validation processes will be used to promote data accuracy, completeness and consistency across the MAC QRS measure set. NCQA has communicated this approach to Certified HEDIS Compliance Auditors and will continue to provide guidance to plans and auditors throughout implementation.

What are the fees associated with MAC QRS submissions and Data Collection Services?

Fees vary based on the organization's reporting approach and the services selected.

  • Health plans: For questions about MAC QRS submission fees, log in to my.ncqa.org and navigate to My Questions > Ask a Question. Select PCS and submit your inquiry.
  • States: To learn more about NCQA's Data Collection Services and associated fees, complete the Contact Us form and a member of the Data Collection Services team will reach out to discuss your needs.

Where can I access the MAC QRS Technical Resource Manual?

The MAC QRS Technical Resource Manual is available from CMS and provides detailed guidance on required measures, reporting requirements, methodologies and implementation timelines.

Contact Us About NCQA MAC QRS Data Collection Services

HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).