FCC Approves Millions More in Pandemic-Related Telehealth Funding

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The FCC has approved its ninth round of telehealth applications for telehealth equipment and broadband services to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Wireline Competition Bureau approved 53 applications totaling $16.43 million. That brings the total applications approved to date to 238 in 41 states plus D.C., for a total $84.96 million. 

Related: Bill Expands Rural Healthcare Subsidy to Include Urban Areas 

The CARES Act COVID-19 relief bill included $200 million for a pandemic-related FCC telehealth program. 

The money goes to healthcare providers for laptops, tablets, smart phones, headphones, web cams, network upgrades, software licenses, broadband hot spots, video conferencing, sign language interpretation services, and more.  

Related: Pai Provides House with COVID-19 Action Update

The program benefitted include as well as remote monitoring, diagnosis and treatment for primary care, pediatric care, dental care, mental health, and substance abuse counseling.

John Eggerton
John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.