The FCC has adopted two new support programs to bring telehealth capabilities to healthcare providers. The COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which stems from the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act relief bill, will bring $200 million of immediate support to eligible healthcare providers (rural and non-rural) toward telecommunications, information services, and/or connected devices that can help in treating COVID-19. Though the FCC’s application form for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program has not yet been finalized and released, providers can take steps to ensure eligibility and start work on an application with telecommunications and other partners. Additionally, the FCC adopted the three-year, $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program, which derives from the Universal Service Fund (USF) and will provide support to defray the costs of connected care services.
