The FCC has adopted rules and procedures for Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, a $249.95 million initiative that builds on the previous $200 million program established by the CARES Act. The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds telehealth and connected services to help health care providers continue to serve patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2020, Congress appropriated additional funding for Round 2, and subsequently, the FCC sought comment on application evaluation metrics to ensure the equitable distribution of the funds. By the subject order, the FCC adopts changes to improve the administration of the Program including establishing a point system for USAC to award funds to eligible health care providers. The point system prioritizes applicants based on metrics including among others, hard hit, low-income and tribal areas, or previously unfunded applicants. The FCC will also attempt to ensure that one applicant in each state and the District of Columbia will have funding. The FCC will open an application filing window which it will announce by public notice and which is expected within 30 days of the order.
