Apply for Final Round of GME Section 126 Slot Distribution
Published February 09, 2026
By AACOM Government Relations
Graduate Medical Education OME Advocate
- CMS opened the final round of applications for 200 Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) positions under Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which will complete the distribution of 1,000 new GME positions.
- Eligible hospitals include rural designated hospitals, hospitals in states with new medical schools, hospitals over their GME cap and hospitals in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). GME slots are awarded based on prioritization via HPSA scores with remaining slots allocated to hospitals with the greatest workforce needs.
- More information can be found on the CMS Direct Graduate Medical Education website. Applications are due March 31, 2026.