On April 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened Round 2 of the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The program supports eligible health care providers (HCPs) responding to the pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to provide telehealth and connected care services. Funding may be retroactive for services and devices purchased since March 13, 2020. The deadline to apply is May 6.
What can be purchased with the funding?
The COVID-19 Telehealth Program will provide immediate support to eligible healthcare providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program’s funds have been expended or the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. Examples of eligible services and connected devices include:
- Telecommunications services and broadband connectivity services: Voice services and internet connectivity services for healthcare providers or their patients. These expenses are eligible for up to 12 months of funding.
- Information services: Remote patient monitoring platforms and services; patient reported outcome platforms; store and forward services, such as asynchronous transfer of patient images and data for interpretation by a physician; platforms and services to provide synchronous video consultation. These expenses are eligible for up to 12 months of funding.
- Internet connected devices/equipment: Tablets, smart phones, or connected devices to provide telehealth services (e.g., broadband, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth enabled blood pressure monitors; pulse-oximeters) for patient or health care provider use; telemedicine kiosks/carts for health care provider site.
There was a Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) COVID-19 Webinar for Tribal applicants on 4/29. Access the recording here.
USAC will hold COVID-19 Telehealth Office Hours on Wednesday, May 5 at 4pm Eastern Time. Register here.
Below are links to the program resources: