Media Contact: Evan Swarztrauber, (202) 418-2261 evan.swarztrauber@fcc.gov For Immediate Release July 8, 2019 Carr Welcomes Broad Support for FCC Telehealth Initiative Healthcare Providers, Tech Groups, and Civil Society Orgs Among Those Supporting NPRM WASHINGTON, DC—On July 10, the FCC will vote on a proposed rulemaking to establish a new $100 million “Connected Care Pilot Program” to support telehealth for low-income Americans, including those living in rural areas and veterans. Commissioner Brendan Carr has been leading the FCC’s efforts in this proceeding and advanced the initiative earlier this month at an event in Appalachia. “Healthcare is moving from Blockbuster to Netflix, as high-quality healthcare is no longer limited to the confines of brick-and-mortar facilities,” said Commissioner Carr. “The FCC should support this trend in telehealth, and I’m grateful that a wide range of stakeholders— including healthcare providers, technology advocates, and organizations representing vulnerable communities—share this goal.” AARP said, “We applaud Commissioner Carr for his leadership and commitment in proposing to provide $100 million to the Connected Care Pilot Program. This program could successfully deliver telehealth services to low-income Americans, especially older Americans living in rural communities[.]” ALLvanza said, “We are encouraged by the FCC’s recognition of an innovative way to bring healthcare to rural areas and are even more encouraged that they are taking action.” American Telemedicine Association said, “We are pleased to see the FCC take the necessary steps in accommodating, fostering, and facilitating the needs and telecommunications solutions for federal health care policy. By providing the connectivity that will accelerate health care use, the FCC has a critical role in expanding access to improved health services and lowering costs of delivery.” App Association and Connected Health Initiative blogged, “With this new NPRM, the FCC takes a significant step closer to enabling new digital health innovations like remote patient monitoring of chronic conditions and ultimately improves access to healthcare across America. … We remain committed to assisting the FCC in bringing the power and utility of the connected health revolution to all Americans.” CHRISTUS Health said, “Our experience underscores the need to make the Connected Care Pilot Program a reality.  The program has significant potential to overcome current barriers to providing cost-effective telehealth services that rural providers and the patients they serve desperately need.” CHIME and AEHIT wrote, “As citizens become more connected in their daily lives and healthcare’s drive to a patient-centered approach to care, improve access and deliver better value, mobile connectivity is imperative. We thus support the focused approach on mobile connectivity as it will allow for a more effective strategy for helping underserved populations at higher efficiency than ever before.” Doctor on Demand said, “The FCC’s proposed pilot program charts exactly the right course in the drive to bring health care to veterans, rural residents, low-income Americans, Indian Health Services users, and the scores of others who are underserved by the traditional model of health care delivery. Solving the need for millions of Americans to have access to high-quality primary and behavioral health care won’t be easy, but the FCC’s initiative is a terrific start and well thought-out public policy.” LGBT Tech blogged, “LGBT Tech is greatly encouraged by this program and the potential it has to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable members of our community, including LGBTQ individuals in rural communities.” Medical University of South Carolina wrote, “As the leading academic health center in a state with a large low-income, rural and underserved population, MUSC applauds the Commission for the vision to enhance much-needed broadband-enabled telehealth services to improve access to high quality health care for rural and vulnerable populations.” National Association of Community Health Centers blogged, “Nearly half (44 percent) of all health centers use Telehealth to expand services. Telehealth programs are especially popular at rural health centers, where many residents can face long distances between home and health provider.” Oregon Community Health Information Network said, “Virtual care delivered through innovative telehealth solutions is critical for resolving health care scarcity in geographically isolated and underserved areas. OCHIN is highly supportive of the FCC’s Connected Care Proposal and their efforts to expand and innovate in telehealth services to these communities to improve health, welfare, and care delivery.” Ochsner Health System said, “This Pilot holds the potential to materially improve health care delivery and outcomes for individuals, families, and communities, including our Veterans. We are excited by the potential for telehealth and digital medicine to improve health outcomes and long-term cost savings and look forward to participating in the proceeding and serving as a resource to the agency based on our rich experience in these areas.” Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition said, “With rural hospitals closing at alarming rates and the opioid crisis spreading, patients need access to telehealth solutions more than ever before, especially in rural markets. The SHLB Coalition is very pleased that the FCC is exploring strategies to help low-income people and veterans obtain affordable telehealth solutions at home.” University of Mississippi Medical Center wrote, “The FCC Connected Care Pilot would provide resources, connectivity, equipment and training to broaden the reach of today’s medical professionals and bring critical services to those miles from care. Additionally, it would strengthen the data collection process so that stakeholders, policymakers and health care providers can more clearly see the benefit that connected care brings to all Americans.” University of Virginia Center for Telehealth said, “As longstanding participants in the Commission’s Rural Healthcare Program, we know firsthand the power of telehealth and connected care. We will look forward working with the Commission on the new Connected Care Pilot Program to extend that connectivity to our patients.” ### Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200 Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr