Funding support for the use of telehealth applications in rural communities

The use of telehealth applications in rural communities saves lives, lowers health care costs, and improves patient experiences. Health care providers need broadband connections of high quality in order to fully utilize the wide range of telehealth applications. Often, funding support for such connectivity is a major barrier to telehealth implementation. The broadband networks supported by the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program have enhanced health care providers’ ability to utilize numerous telemedicine applications and offer health care to patients that would otherwise have to travel great distances or forego health care entirely. The RHC program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program with $400 million annually available to provide reduced rates for telecommunications service and broadband access used for the provision of health care services. Health care providers in the RHC Program have adopted a variety of telehealth applications, including the provision of telemedicine, the exchange of electronic health records (EHRs), the development of health information exchanges (HIEs), and remote training of medical personnel via videoconference. Broadband-enabled telemedicine services also increase cost-savings for health care providers while expanding access to care in medically underserved areas.

The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program, the newest component of the RHC Program, expands the benefits of telemedicine by offering funding that encourages the formation of new consortia networks comprised of both rural and non-rural health care providers. Participants in the HCF Program may apply as individuals or as part of a consortium, and eligible health care providers receive a 65% discount on eligible broadband services and equipment used for the provision of health care. RHC Program staff will discuss funding source available for telehealth connectivity.