FCC reaches $150 million benchmark for COVID-19 telehealth program
The Federal Communications Commission has approved an additional 75 applications for funding commitments totaling $42,163,705 for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC’s fourth funding announcement of approved Round 2 applications, bringing the total to approximately $166.13 million awarded to healthcare providers in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia, and completing the first phase of Round 2 of the Program.
As outlined in the Round 2 Report and Order, now that $150 million has been allotted, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Public Notice announcing an opportunity for all remaining applicants to supplement their applications, as required by Congress. According to an FCC press release, remaining applicants will have 10 days to supplement their applications. After all remaining applicants have the opportunity to supplement, the remaining program funding will be committed.
The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program supports the efforts of healthcare providers to continue serving their patients by providing reimbursement for telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Round 2 is a $249.95 million federal initiative that builds on the $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act.