The Quality Incentive Program (QIP) continues to evolve with a focus on improving the quality of services and supports provided to individuals and their families. By participating in annual data collection, eligible providers can earn one-time incentive payments and qualify for quality incentive rates. These insights are vital to measuring and enhancing the impact of services statewide.

Read below for critical updates regarding eligibility for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 incentive rates.

ACTION REQUIRED: February 27, 2026, Survey Deadline

For Providers who delivered services in FY 2024-25: 

To qualify for the FY 2026-27 quality incentive rate, eligible providers must submit their QIP surveys by February 27, 2026.

  • Who must complete this: Any provider who delivered services under QIP-eligible service codes during FY 2024-25.
  • Where to find your link: Survey links were sent to the administrative email address registered and validated in the Provider Directory.
  • Status Tracking: Providers can monitor their completion progress under the “Provider Survey Status” tab on the QIP webpage. Status trackers are updated weekly.

Note:  The Department is aware that some providers experienced problems with their survey links.  The Department will not penalize providers who were not able to complete their surveys through no fault of their own. 

Exception for New or Special Case Vendors: Providers with new vendor numbers, or providers who were active during FY 2025-26 but did not provide services qualifying for other QIP measures, are not required to meet this February 27 deadline. Instead, these providers will receive the Initial QIP Provider Survey (see details below).

Additional QIP Compliance Requirements

To earn the quality incentive rate for the full 2026-27 fiscal year, all participating providers must also meet the following standards by February 27, 2026:

  • Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule
  • Independent Audits or Reviews

Failure to meet these standards by the deadline will result in ineligibility for at least a portion of the FY 2026-27 quality incentive rate. 

Initial QIP Provider Survey: Launching Soon

For New Vendors and FY 2025-26 Reactivations: 

Providers who did not bill for services in FY 2024-25, or those who became vendored on or after July 1, 2025, will receive the Initial QIP Provider Survey.

  • Distribution: Surveys will be sent before March 1, 2026, to the administrative email address in the Provider Directory.
  • Scope: One survey will be sent for each vendor number newly approved, reactivated, or assigned in FY 2025-26 or FY 2026-27.
  • Timeline: Providers have 60 days from the date of receipt to complete and submit the survey.
  • Training: Public webinar dates will be announced soon on the Stakeholder Events webpage.

Upcoming Training & Public Engagement

Training Sessions & Webinars Stay informed by reviewing recent sessions and walkthroughs. Recordings for Employment, Prevention and Wellness, and Provider Capacity trainings (held in January) will be available shortly on the Department’s QIP webpage.

2026 QIP Workgroup Meetings

Our workgroups shape the goals and incentives of the QIP. All meetings are open to the public and held via Zoom from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on the following dates:

  • March 16
  • June 15
  • September 14
  • December 14

Please visit the Stakeholder Events webpage for meeting links.

QIP Focus Groups

Help develop the future strategies of the QIP. We are currently seeking a diverse group of individuals, advocates, providers, and regional center representatives.

Interested in participating? Complete this short interest survey to be added to the 2026 focus group list.


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