FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Abigail Spanberger U.S. House of Representatives 1239 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Spanberger: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Abigail Spanberger the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Abigail Spanberger through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Dusty Johnson U.S. House of Representatives 1508 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Johnson: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Dusty Johnson the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Dusty Johnson through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Peter Welch U.S. House of Representatives 2303 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Welch: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Peter Welch the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Peter Welch through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Alan Lowenthal U.S. House of Representatives 108 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Lowenthal: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Alan Lowenthal the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Alan Lowenthal through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Steve Cohen U.S. House of Representatives 2404 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Cohen: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Steve Cohen the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Steve Cohen through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable TJ Cox U.S. House of Representatives 1728 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Cox: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable TJ Cox the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable TJ Cox through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Katie Porter U.S. House of Representatives 1117 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Porter: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Katie Porter the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Katie Porter through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Josh Gottheimer U.S. House of Representatives 213 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Gottheimer: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Josh Gottheimer the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Josh Gottheimer through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jamie Raskin U.S. House of Representatives 412 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Raskin: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Jamie Raskin the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Jamie Raskin through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable David Trone U.S. House of Representatives 1213 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Trone: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable David Trone the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable David Trone through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Xochitl Torres Small U.S. House of Representatives 2444 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Torres Small: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Xochitl Torres Small the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Xochitl Torres Small through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly U.S. House of Representatives 2238 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Connolly: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Rob Wittman U.S. House of Representatives 2055 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Wittman: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Rob Wittman the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Rob Wittman through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Filemon Vela U.S. House of Representatives 437 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Vela: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Filemon Vela the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Filemon Vela through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jack Bergman U.S. House of Representatives 414 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Bergman: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Jack Bergman the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Jack Bergman through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Andy Levin U.S. House of Representatives 312 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Levin: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Andy Levin the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Andy Levin through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Steve King U.S. House of Representatives 2210 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman King: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Steve King the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Steve King through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ami Bera U.S. House of Representatives 1431 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Bera: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Ami Bera the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Ami Bera through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Abby Finkenauer U.S. House of Representatives 124 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Finkenauer: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Abby Finkenauer the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Abby Finkenauer through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop U.S. House of Representatives 2407 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Bishop: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez U.S. House of Representatives 2302 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Velazquez: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Nydia M. Velazquez through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio U.S. House of Representatives 2134 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman DeFazio: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson U.S. House of Representatives 2468 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Johnson: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Elise Stefanik U.S. House of Representatives 318 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Stefanik: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Elise Stefanik the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Elise Stefanik through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Brian Higgins U.S. House of Representatives 2459 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Higgins: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Brian Higgins the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Brian Higgins through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ed Case U.S. House of Representatives 2443 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Case: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Ed Case the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Ed Case through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bonnie Watson Coleman U.S. House of Representatives 1535 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Watson Coleman: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Bonnie Watson Coleman the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Bonnie Watson Coleman through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Grace F. Napolitano U.S. House of Representatives 1610 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Napolitano: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Grace F. Napolitano the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Grace F. Napolitano through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Brian Fitzpatrick U.S. House of Representatives 1722 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Fitzpatrick: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Brian Fitzpatrick the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Brian Fitzpatrick through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Brenda Lawrence U.S. House of Representatives 2463 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Lawrence: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Brenda Lawrence the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Brenda Lawrence through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Neal Patrick Dunn U.S. House of Representatives 423 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Dunn: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Neal Patrick Dunn the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Neal Patrick Dunn through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ro Khanna U.S. House of Representatives 221 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Khanna: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Ro Khanna the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Ro Khanna through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Frederica S. Wilson U.S. House of Representatives 2445 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Wilson: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Frederica S. Wilson the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Frederica S. Wilson through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Veronica Esobar U.S. House of Representatives 1505 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Esobar: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Veronica Esobar the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Veronica Esobar through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jason Crow U.S. House of Representatives 1229 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Crow: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Jason Crow the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Jason Crow through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard U.S. House of Representatives 2083 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Roybal-Allard: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ben Cline U.S. House of Representatives 1009 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Cline: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Ben Cline the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Ben Cline through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Collin C. Peterson U.S. House of Representatives 2204 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Peterson: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Collin C. Peterson the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Collin C. Peterson through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Barbara Lee U.S. House of Representatives 2470 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Lee: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Barbara Lee the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Barbara Lee through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF January 15, 2021 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sean Patrick Maloney U.S. House of Representatives 1027 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Maloney: Thank you for your letter regarding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I share your views on the importance of telehealth, particularly during this unprecedented national emergency. Telehealth services have never been more important. In March, the Commission asked Congress to provide it with emergency telehealth funding. I m thankful that Congress included $200 million in the CARES Act for the FCC to establish a COVID-19 Telehealth Program to help health care providers provide connected care services to patients in their homes or other places outside a traditional health care facility. Following enactment of the CARES Act, I immediately presented my plan for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to my fellow commissioners, who unanimously voted to approve it, and on April 2, 2020, the Commission released the Order formally establishing the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Our aim was to provide immediate support to eligible health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services until the program s $200 million in funding had been committed or the COVID-19 pandemic had ended. And that s exactly what we did. As you note, there was enormous interest in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and demand significantly exceeded the $200 million Program budget. The application window was open from April 13 until June 25, when it was closed because demand exceeded the available funding. By July 8, 2020, the Commission awarded the full $200 million to 539 applications from health providers in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. and Guam, nearly all of whom indicated plans to target high-risk and vulnerable patients. Due to the incredible interest in the program, the Commission was unable to fund the approximately 2,000 additional applications it received from eligible health care providers in areas hard hit at the time the Commission was reviewing applications. Consistent with the Commission s Order, funding was limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers, and to the categories of eligible services and devices outlined in Page 2 The Honorable Sean Patrick Maloney the Report & Order telecommunications services, information services, or connected devices integral to patient care (e.g., smartphones, tablets or Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled medical monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters or blood pressure monitors). In addition, awards were issued across all of the non-profit and public eligible health care provider types outlined in section 254(h)(7)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, and many multi-site applications included sites from more than one category of provider. Overall the majority of funding went to three group of health care providers, including community health centers (30%), not-for-profit hospitals (23%), and community mental health centers (21%), but every health care provider type under section 254(h)(7)(b) was awarded funding. Awards ranged in size from approximately $1,500 to $1 million, with the average award being approximately $370,000. More than 20% of all awards were for less than $60,000. Based on the information provided by the funding recipients, millions of patients will be served using COVID-19 Telehealth Program funds, but the program will impact many millions more as a result of the compounding benefits of avoiding the coronavirus due to the availability of telehealth services. The Commission provided assistance to health care providers, including smaller ones and those without prior experience with Commission programs. Even before the application itself was available, Commission staff released written guidance describing the key application steps, including how to obtain USAC eligibility determinations, how to receive an FCC Registration Number, and how to register with the Treasury Department s payment system. Commission staff also conducted a webinar presentation to explain the application process. Dedicated email inboxes were created to enable prospective applicants to obtain direct assistance from Commission staff. A regularly updated frequently asked questions document was also posted at www.FCC.gov/covid19telehealth. Commission staff spoke with a large number of prospective applicants to answer their questions about the application process, and the Commission s review team reached out to applicants that had an application under review to ensure that the application contained complete and sufficient information. In all, there were thousands of contacts with applicants and prospective applicants to explain various aspects of the application process. Commission staff is working expeditiously to process reimbursement requests from funding recipients once they are submitted. Consistent with the Commission s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Order, funding recipients seek reimbursement from the Commission for eligible services and connected devices after they have paid for and received those items. The Commission s reimbursement processes appropriately balance the interest in timely issuing payments to funding recipients and the need to ensure that reimbursements are issued in compliance with program rules. As of January 11, 2021, the Commission has issued $119.5 million in disbursements. I m pleased that Congress has extended our successful program into 2021 by providing the Commission with an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. In accordance with the statute, last week, the Commission sought public input on the metrics the agency should use to evaluate applications for this round of funding, including how the Commission should treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round provided under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Comments are due January 19, 2021. I am confident that our team at the Commission will work expeditiously to provide additional support for telehealth services Page 3 The Honorable Sean Patrick Maloney through Round 2 of the program, which will allow us to approve many more applications to expand connected care throughout the country and enable patients to access necessary health care services while staying safe. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.