FCC Approves COVID-19 Telehealth Program Funding

On May 28, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that its COVID-19 Telehealth Program has now approved a total of over $68 million in funding for 185 hospitals and other healthcare providers in 38 states plus Washington, DC. The program, whose full title states its goal of “Promoting Telehealth for Low-Income Consumers,” was adopted on April 2 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The program will provide up to $200 million in funding for eligible healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services. Individual awards range from $5,886 to a maximum of $1 million. The FCC has published FAQs on the program.