Medicare-eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) that are not meaningful users of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology under the Promoting Interoperability Program (formerly known as the EHR Incentive Program) may be exempt from Medicare penalties if they can show that demonstrating meaningful use would result in a significant hardship. To avoid a payment adjustment, health care providers must complete a hardship exception application and provide proof of hardship. If approved, the exception is valid for the 2019 payment adjustment year only. The deadline to submit applications is July 1.​​​​