CMS Awards 200 New Medicare-funded Residency Slots

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the distribution of the first 200 of its 1,000 graduate medical education (GME) slots that were created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Approximately three-quarters of the new positions will be for primary care and mental health specialties, while the rest will be allocated to other specialties if hospitals meet certain requirements. These slots will enhance the healthcare workforce and fund additional positions in hospitals serving underserved communities.

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) has advocated for expansion of GME and supported the additional slots. The first slots, effective July 1, were awarded to 100 teaching hospitals in 30 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

In order to be eligible for the 1,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) resident cap slots, a hospital must qualify in at least one of four categories: hospitals in rural areas (or treated as being located in a rural area under the law; hospitals training a number of residents in excess of their GME cap; hospitals in states with new medical schools or branch campuses; and hospitals that serve areas designated as health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Additionally, no hospital can receive more than 25 FTE resident cap slots.

ACR encourages members to make their institutions aware of the application process to qualify for additional GME slots. The application cycle for the 200 FY 2024 slots is open until March 31. More information about the application process for additional slots is on the CMS website.

For questions or additional information, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Government Affairs Director.