Frequently Asked Questions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a contract to support quality improvement efforts across healthcare settings and programs to maximize impact to beneficiaries and value to taxpayers, entitled the Network of Quality Improvement and Innovation Contractors (NQIIC). The NQIIC contract allows for the full spectrum of quality improvement work that is in operation under various networks and includes the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIO).

In May 2025, CMS awarded Telligen a new contract as the Midwest Region 6 CMS QIN-QIO. This work supports the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS administrative priorities to improve patient safety, care coordination, reduce incidence of chronic disease, and enhance behavioral health integration.

CMS’ Quality Improvement Program is a five-year initiative (2025–2030) designed to be iterative. Each year includes assessments and updates to your engagement strategy and quality action plan, allowing your organization to adapt, refine, and continuously improve quality over time.

CMS identified eligible organizations (i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinical practices) based on several factors, including:

• • Size: Smaller organizations may benefit from targeted support
  • Location: Rural areas often face unique challenges
  • Populations served: Underserved communities may require additional support
  • Data: Organizations whose data suggest additional support could improve quality outcomes

CMS-identified priorities that will be addressed through QIN-QIO activities include:

• • Quality Management Systems
  • Workforce Planning
  • Supply Chain
  • Drug Shortages
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Advancing Healthcare Quality Through Technology

QIN QIO focus areas include:

• • Prevention & Chronic Disease
  • Management
  • Patient Safety
  • Behavioral Health
  • Care Coordination

No, you do not have to join us in this work. However, by working with the Midwest CMS QIN QIO, the benefits to you and your healthcare organization are many, including:

• • Learn how to access, evaluate and apply data for your organization’s quality improvement (QI) initiatives.
  • Test and evaluate proven QI strategies that complement the goals of your organization and community:
  • Apply evidence-based tools to make positive changes which improve patient outcomes.
  • Connect your organization with community and state-based initiatives.
  • Engage with patient safety networks to inform quality improvement efforts.
  • Exchange ideas and solutions with peers with similar goals and challenges.

There is no cost to join us. We are funded by CMS. So, as taxpayers, you paid for these quality improvement services and assistance already. Why not join the Midwest Region 6 QIO and get no cost help that other hospitals, health systems, and competitors will be benefiting from?

Even high-performing organizations can benefit. Participation demonstrates your commitment to CMS quality goals, provides opportunities to share successful strategies, and allows you to learn from other top-performing organizations. It helps sustain excellence, identify emerging opportunities, and showcase your leadership in advancing quality care.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plays a vital role in improving access to care for Americans who are uninsured, isolated, or medically underserved. The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) is an office within HRSA that coordinates activities related to rural health including the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program, which provides grants and technical guidance to State Offices of Rural Health (SORHs) to help CAHs survive and improve care in rural areas. Through Flex, MBQIP works with CAHs to use quality measure data for quality improvement activities.

Several of the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) measures within the Flex program are associated with or align with measures and focus areas of the QIN-QIO. The QIN-QIO is designed to complement, not duplicate, your existing initiatives. Our team provides tailored 1:1 support, data-driven insights, and evidence-based resources to maximize the impact of your current efforts across programs. Participation also helps ensure alignment with CMS quality priorities.

The MBQIP Core Measure set can be found here https://www.telligen.com/rqita/

Participation can strengthen your organization’s performance in CMS payment programs, including value-based care initiatives, as well as other agency programs such as the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project through HRSA. By enrolling, you demonstrate leadership’s commitment to quality improvement, an activity that may also qualify as an Improvement Activity under MIPS. The program’s focus areas align directly with CMS quality reporting and payment programs, helping you meet requirements while advancing patient care.

Submit questions to or request a meeting with a local Quality Improvement Advisor at contact@midwestcmsqinqio.com.