Urge Congress to Reauthorize and Expand the THCGME Program
Published January 26, 2026
By AACOM Government Relations
Advocacy Federal Policy OME Advocate
The House-passed FY26 LHHSE appropriations bill includes a four-year extension of the THCGME Program with increases in funding from $175 million to $225 million in FY26 to $300 million by FY29. However, unless the Senate adopts this legislation, funding for these residency programs is set to expire on January 30, 2026.
The THCGME Program is of vital importance to the osteopathic community and the patients we serve. The 82 teaching health centers (THCs) across the country train more than 1,200 residents in much-needed primary care fields and oversee approximately one million patient visits annually in rural and underserved communities. Without a multi-year reauthorization and funding increases, it is very difficult for THCs to commit to training medical school graduates.
Please join the osteopathic medical education community in urging the Senate to pass a multi-year reauthorization of the THCGME Program!