Late last year, the Federal Communications Commission announced it would award $250 million dollars in funding to nonprofit and public healthcare providers as a part of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The COVID-19 Telehealth Program is a reimbursement program that tasks providers with submitting invoice forms and other documentation to receive compensation for telehealth-related expenses. These funds can be used to implement connected care services, including remote patient monitoring (RPM). Additional FCC Funding for Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring is coming.
The Federal Communications Commission will soon accept applications for the second round of the program. The agency’s board of commissioners voted to formally adopt a Report and Order to kick-start the program. The application window will likely open within a month.
Round 2 of the funding contains some changes including a system for rating applicants with priority given to the following:
- Hard-hit and low-income areas
- Tribal communities
- Areas experiencing provider shortages
- Projects that were rejected in Round One
- The current grant will be released in two phases to facilitate speedier funding to approved projects and to give other projects breathing room to submit more information to qualify in time for Round 2.
The application deadline is meant to ensure that projects are reviewed all simultaneously, rather than as they’re submitted, as was the case in the first round. The Round 2 Application deadline has not yet been announced. Round 1 applicants that were not funded will reportedly be invited to submit a new application.
Most community health centers qualify to apply for the program. Remote Patient monitoring helps community health centers provide accessible care for their patients, reducing the need for costly, time consuming in-office appointments. RPM also helps them better manage their growing number of patients with chronic conditions, reduces the number of in person visits and strain on the centers.
Be Prepared to Submit Your Application.
The application window for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program will only be open for a short period of time. It’s important to be prepared if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to begin offering telehealth and remote patient monitoring options at your center.
Additional Funding is also Available.
You may also qualify for RPM funding through the American Rescue Plan Act or other federal programs. For example, the U.S Government recently released an additional round of $90 million in funding for Community Health Centers to focus on monitoring and managing hypertension within their patient base. This funding is geared towards the implementation of easy to use, Bluetooth connected home blood pressure monitors.
The time has never been better than right now due to the additional funding for remote patient monitoring. Schedule a meeting with us to learn more.