MEDIC Careers Act of 2026

This bill mandates that the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security develop recommendations to improve the transition of military medics into civilian healthcare occupations. This effort, conducted in consultation with various federal agencies and states, will identify barriers to translating military credentials and experience into civilian employment, standardizing qualifications, and ensuring medics earn civilian credentials before separation. It also seeks to enhance accelerated or bridge programs and improve information provided through the Transition Assistance Program.

The legislation also establishes a Health Care Workforce Preparedness and Response Pilot Program, administered by the Secretary of Defense. This program will award grants to eligible healthcare providers, such as rural health clinics, nursing homes, and Federally qualified health centers in medically underserved areas, to support the hiring, training, and retention of separating service members. Grant funds can be used for activities like assisting with licensing and certification requirements, and coordinating with existing transition assistance programs, with an authorization of $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.