FCC Approves Twelfth Batch of Telehealth Funding

By John Eggerton
published

The FCC has now approved an even dozen tranches of telehealth funding applications to help healthcare providers deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Related: FCC Approves Telehealth Funding Framework 

That additional 77 applications for $29.41 million brings the total to 444 applications approved in 46 states and totaling $157.64 million of the $200 million for the telehealth program appropriated by Congress in the CARES Act COVID-19 aid bill. 

The FCC opened the application window April 13 and approved the first applications three days later.  

Related: ADA Says Dentists Should Get Telehealth Funding

The money is going to healthcare providers to buy telecommunications broadband connectivity and devices, both to help COVID-19 patients, including those in self-isolation and quarantine, and others with underlying conditions who don't want to risk a trip to the doctor. 

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.