FCC Votes to Approve Connected Care Pilot Program
On Thursday, August 2, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved a proposal to establish a new $100 million “Connected Care Pilot Program.” Once launched, this program will work to support telehealth for low-income Americans, especially those living in rural areas and those who are veterans. Commissioner Brendan Carr, who recently spoke at our SRHA Leadership Conference, announced the initiative earlier this month in an op-ed with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).
In a release, Commissioner Carr said, “The FCC has long supported broadband deployments to brick-and-mortar healthcare facilities, but advancements in technology mean we can now bring connected care everywhere. So we should explore how the FCC can support this new trend in telehealth, which can lower costs and improve health outcomes. Low-income Americans, particularly in rural areas, face obstacles to healthcare, and I’m glad the FCC is doing its part to help bridge this doctor divide. I look forward to working with doctors, providers, federal agencies, members of Congress, and all stakeholders as we work to get this program up and running.”
The FCC will soon post a Notice of Inquiry and there will later be a formal comment period. NRHA will be sure to update members as opportunities for comment and involvement in the program are available.